Crompton House school shortlisted for 2024 Tes Awards
Date published: 23 May 2024
Pictured (centre, left) are Mrs Hegarty, Head of School, Kaya Read, Year 10 student and Mrs Cullen, Learning Zone Manager, alongside other CHS students
The best schools and teachers across the country have been shortlisted in this year’s Tes Schools Awards.
The Tes Schools Awards, which have been dubbed the ‘Oscars of education’, is a prestigious awards programme which celebrates the best of education across the UK, and Crompton House CofE School in Oldham has been shortlisted in the category of The Tim Brighouse Community Engagement Initiative of the Year 2024 for their #WriteaSmile postcard initiative.
The initiative is to write messages of kindness and positivity to others with the hope of bringing a smile to both the writer and the recipient.
Postcards may include encouraging words, favourite memories, inspirational quotes or simply a funny joke, combining both literacy skills with looking after our mental health and wellbeing.
The initiative derived with an idea from a student in year 10 Kaya Read and has since developed into a wider project with CHS students sharing thousands of postcards within the Oldham community including the North Care Charity, local residential homes, schools and the church community.
Mrs Hegarty, head of Crompton House CofE School, said of the nomination: “We are immensely proud and honoured to be nominated for this prestigious award.
"The recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, staff and community.
"It reflects our commitment to excellence in education and the nurturing of a caring and supportive learning environment.”
Mrs Cullen, Learning Zone Manager, said: “In a world full of technology, we forget the impact a lovely handwritten postcard can have on another person.
"The #WriteaSmile initiative has brought a lot of joy to both our students and the community and we are super excited to have been shortlisted for this award.”
The Tes Schools Awards recognises the very best teachers and schools from UK state and independent schools, across early years settings, primary and secondary.
The shortlist was compiled by a panel of expert judges, including school leaders and experts.
The schools and teachers they chose showcase the best of education across the sector within 21 award categories, covering all areas of school education.
Jon Severs, Editor of Tes Magazine, said: "Congratulations to all the shortlisted entries - the standard was so high this year despite the challenges schools face.
"It is critical we celebrate excellence and share it widely so we can ensure that the fantastic work happening in education is properly recognised."
Winners will be announced on June 21 at a glittering gala awards night at the Grosvenor Hotel, Park Lane in London.
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