Pride of St Helens 2024 - School of the Year Award shortlist

We're profiling the shortlisted nominees this week - here are the profiles of the three in the running for the Pride of St Helens School of the Year Award, sponsored by JC Kitchens. 

Allanson Street Primary 

(Image: Allanson Street Primary)

ALLANSON Street primary school says that it is a very special place because it not just a school, but a family.

School leaders know that their children are amazing and, as such, work together with parents and carers to make sure that every child believes in themselves and their ability to make the world a better place.

As highlighted in the school’s recent ‘Good’ Ofsted inspection, Allanson Street provides an exciting, engaging curriculum.

The school also supports families in many ways, including the offers of a foodbank, free uniform and free breakfast club.

Regular trips to places of cultural interest are also organised, and the school teaches children the importance of giving back to their community by teaching them skills such as sign language and first aid, and providing opportunities for them to sing, make gifts for local residents, and support local charities.

Pupils learn from the moment they walk through the door that the school accepts and respects everyone for who they are, something which teachers hope stays with them their whole lives.

Leaders tell children every day that they are loved and that their best is always good enough and that is why this nomination means the world to the school.

Rainford Primary

(Image: Rainford Primary)

IN the past 12 months Rainford Primary School has experienced a change in culture that has transformed the school experience of children.

With children at the heart of everything the school does, teaching and learning are of a high standard and the school aims to provide a safe, loving and caring learning environment where the whole school community lives out Christian values of joy, peace, friendship, forgiveness, perseverance, justice and, love.

With the school empowering children to find the joy in all aspects of school life, this has had a very positive effect on behaviour and children’s mental health, and chickens, guinea pigs, themed celebrations and inspiration days have helped to bring out this joy.

Converting to an Academy Trust in 2021, Rainford achieved a Good Ofsted rating last year, where inspectors noted that pupils feel safe and happy at the school.

With a carefully organised curriculum, early years pupils are said to get off to a flying start at Rainford, while Year 6 are ready to face the challenges of high school Rainford has also been awarded with the ADHD Friendly school award which highlights its support for pupils with the condition, and it is believed to be the first school in the community to offer dedicated provision for two-yearolds.

Bleak Hill Primary

(Image: Bleak Hill Primary)

BLEAK Hill Primary is one of St Helens largest primary schools, that is oversubscribed in many year groups, proving that it is a popular school of choice for its community.

Earlier this year, Bleak Hill was graded by Ofsted as Outstanding in all five areas, and as the lead inspector commented - this is an exceptional school.

Bleak Hill Primary is also well known for its support with the local community and regularly works with Windle Parish Council, St Andrews’ Church and sing annually at various local residential homes at Christmas.

The school is absolutely amazing at fundraising and supports many charities throughout the year.

Last year the school went above and beyond expectations with their fundraising work.

Unfortunately, following the death of one of their pupils the school wanted to raise funds in remembrance of Harry and to support a charity that is dear to Harry’s family.

An end of the school year fundraising Colour Run was held to support both the school and Alder Hey Hospital; the response was unbelievable and collectively the event raised £19,433. This just goes to show what an amazing community there is in the Bleak Hill family.