Two Bolton schools are in the running to be crowned the best in the North West.

St Peter’s CE Primary School in Farnworth and Green Fold School have been shortlisted for this year’s Educate Awards 2024.

The awards shine a spotlight on all aspects of education from sports and arts to literacy and the environment.

And the ceremony provides schools, colleges, leadership teams, teachers and support staff from across Merseyside, Cheshire, Lancashire and Greater Manchester to celebrate education.

This year, the Educate Awards has seen a record number of entrants.

Green Fold School is nominated in two of the 21 categories, for ‘Leadership Team of the Year’ and ‘Most Inspirational Primary School’.

(Image: Martini Archive)

Headteacher of Green Fold, Lisa Walker said: “We’re feeling so proud and delighted for our children and our team at Green Fold.

“There was a high level of entrants this year, but the amazing work of our leadership team has been recognised, work that is centred around the local community including autism training and teacher training at Edge Hill University, speaking at SEND inclusion conferences and working with the Bolton Association of Special School’s Communication Hub to improve communication.

“In June we were delighted to be awarded as a School of Sanctuary due to our team’s work with families who are seeking refuge in Bolton from across the world. We worked with around 10 families with the Bolton cohesion and integration service.

“We are based across four sites in Bolton in order to create space for children with complex educational needs and are a regional lead for autism education trust, training over 900 professionals who advocate for and work alongside children with complex educational needs.

“It’s an amazing opportunity and we’re so excited to showcase the amazing community work we’ve done.”

The shortlisted schools will find out their fates on Friday, 15 November, at the glittering Educate Awards ceremony, held at the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral.

St Peter’s CE Primary School in Farnworth has also been shortlisted for the ‘Most Inspirational Primary School’ award.

(Image: Martini Archive)

Headteacher Jenny Scott said: “We are delighted at receiving the nomination, and being shortlisted, for the Most Inspirational Primary School award.

“It is an absolute pleasure to be the new headteacher of St Peter's and to serve such a wonderful community.

“The award is sentiment to the fantastic work that goes on here every day; the teachers provide the very best learning and enrichment opportunities for their children.

“The children are a real credit to their families and teachers, parents and guardians play a strong, supportive role to the school.

“The staff go above and beyond for the children and learning experiences are rich, varied and creative.

“We are incredibly proud of St Peter's and everything that we have achieved!”

Kim O’Brien, founder of the Educate Awards, said: “Congratulations to Green Fold School and St Peter’s CE Primary School for making this year’s Educate Awards shortlist.

“We are continually amazed by the inspiring work that takes in the region’s schools and colleges, and this year’s shortlist is a testament to the passion and hard work of senior leadership teams, teachers and support staff around the region.

“The quality of the entries we received in 2024 has been exceptional, and we look forward to rolling out the red carpet and celebrating these achievements at the awards ceremony in November."

“The Educate Awards is a spectacular evening that includes live performances from the region’s schools, a three-course gala dinner and, of course, the highly anticipated awards ceremony.”

Kim added: “A huge thank you to partner, ASL Group, and our esteemed associate sponsors for supporting this year’s event. Without their support, this event really would not be possible.”