[O]n Friday 30th June, students and staff from United Learning secondary schools across the country came together to celebrate their achievements at the Group’s annual ‘Best in Everyone’ Awards.
Hosted at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon the ceremony celebrated the wide-ranging talents of students. Awards were given for academic excellence across a variety of subjects, for success in the arts and sport and to recognise students’ resilience, dedication and leadership.
United Learning staff were also honoured with a series of awards to celebrate the outstanding contribution of teachers, governors, support staff and leaders across the Group.
The awards were hosted by Jon Coles, Chief Executive of United Learning, and Richard Greenhalgh, the Group’s Chairman. The comperes for the evening, back from the grave for one night, were William Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway. Attendees were also treated to a performance by North Oxfordshire Academy’s samba band.
Jon Coles, Chief Executive of United Learning, said: “Each year, these awards recognise the remarkable achievements of students from across our Group and provide us with an opportunity to celebrate their talents, subject excellence and determination to succeed. Yet again, we had the difficult task of choosing winners from amongst a very impressive range of candidates nationally and I hope therefore that every award winner takes great pride in their success.
“The Best in Everyone Awards are also a time for us to show our appreciation for the hard work and commitment of staff across our schools and the crucial role they play in supporting and enabling students to achieve their very best. While this year’s awards celebrate several particularly outstanding contributions, I would like to thank all our teachers, support staff and governors who continue to make a difference in each of our schools.”
Brendan Reilly from Central Academy who won Newly Qualified Teacher of the Year, said: “I am extremely proud to receive this award and proud to be even nominated. The pupils of Central Academy put a lot of hard work in to their work and they deserve a lot of credit for what they have achieved and wonderful work they have created. All I am doing is my job!”