The Bolton News Education Awards are back for 2023. 

Our awards celebrate the best in Bolton’s schools, from students to teachers to entire schools. 

Our winner of Specialist Provision School of the Year, sponsored by The Bolton News, is Green Fold Special School. 

Having put itself forward for nomination, Green Fold provides education for 168 children with 'highly complex needs', with over 90% of their children being non-verbal. 

It is also the only school in Bolton to have achieved National Autistic Society Advanced Accreditation, and its work is recognised by the Autism Education Trust, in which Headteacher, Gary Anders and Deputy Headteacher, Lisa Walker are both involved. 

Gary Anders, Headteacher at Green Fold, said: "It feels amazing, it's a really fantastic achievement to be recognised by The Bolton News, we work very hard every day for the children. 

"We don't do it for awards or prestige, we do it because we really care, and to have that acknowledged is just absolutely amazing. 

"The children at Green Fold need a lot of care to be able to develop life skills and be happy within their life, and I think all of our staff team make it their life journey to make sure that the children can have that happiness each day. 

"It's a huge responsibility, but equally it's a real pleasure and it gives you that job satisfaction when you come in each day." 

He added: "We do see a real difference. The children coming into Green Fold (or to the) parents feel they might be struggling, or be distressed at different points. 

"But once they join school, the vast majority of the children are happy each day coming in, really enthusiastic to get on the minibus and meet their teachers, and they have a real special relationship with each member of the class team."

Congratulations also go to Ladywood School, which was highly commended for this category.