Fairfield Primary School in Cockermouth has been crowned a winner in the Healthy School of the Year category at the TES Schools Awards 2019. The team were presented with their award by comedian, Harry Hill, on Friday (21st June) evening at a gala awards evening at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane.
The school has done incredibly well to be named the winners, beating competition from schools across the UK. They were specifically recognised for taking their love of the outdoors and physical activity to a new level – not least by having its own climbing wall, designed by their own pupils!
Tes Editor Ann Mroz said: “We had a record number of entries this year and the standard was incredibly high so all our winners should be extremely proud of their achievement. The quality of entries was superb, and as always, our illustrious panel of judges deliberated long and hard to reach its final selections.
“We’ve had the privilege of hearing about so many creative and inspiring initiatives that are improving outcomes and life chances of young people. The spirit of great teaching really was at the heart of each and every entry and it’s been wonderful to see such amazing ideas and excellent practice emerging from our schools, especially considering the difficult circumstances that many schools operate under.”
Judges were also impressed with Fairfield School Forest School programme where pupils regularly visit local woodlands to learn about the natural environment and the school’s Grand Day Out, a free excursion to a local feel that gives about 350 pupils the opportunity to experience the beautiful location on their doorstep – the Lake District. They were also celebrated for their programme where pupils learn rugby and maths at the same time through a partnership with Newcastle Falcons Rugby Club, and the fact that Year 6 children are trained to be sport leaders and are presented with a whistle at the end of their training.
The Tes awards have been running for over 10 years to recognise the outstanding individuals and institutions that the education sector has to offer. They were judged by a collection of the UK’s most illustrious education experts.
PE and Key Stage One Leader Rob Barton said: “I’m over the moon. This is what our school’s all about: getting young people outdoors and giving them opportunities to be healthy.”
Comedian, Harry Hill, who presented the awards said: “I felt quite emotional tonight giving out these awards – thanks so much for inviting me. What a night!”
To view a full list of the winners pick up a copy of this week’s Tes, or visit www.tesawards.co.uk.
