Fourteen NW Catholic schools shortlisted for special awards

Image: Educate Awards

The Educate Awards has announced that 14 Catholic primary and secondary schools from across the North West have made this year's shortlist. The shortlisted schools will find out their fates on Friday, 14 November, at the glittering Educate Awards ceremony, held at the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral.

Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School, Liverpool, has been shortlisted for Most Inspirational Secondary School.
Cardinal Langley RC High School, Rochdale, has been shortlisted for Outstanding Commitment to Sport in Secondary School
Christina McArdle from St Damian's RC Science College, Tameside, has been shortlisted for Teacher of the Year.
Hope Academy, St Helens, has been shortlisted for Outstanding Commitment to the Environment & Sustainability.
Our Lady and St Swithin's Catholic Primary School, Liverpool, has been shortlisted for Outstanding SEND Provision in Mainstream School.
Our Lady of Compassion RC Primary School, Sefton, has been shortlisted for School Library of the Year and Outstanding Arts in Primary School. Karen Elcombe has also been recognised for School Support Star of the Year.
Sam Cookson from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School, Sefton, has been shortlisted for School Support Star of the Year.
St Edward's College, Liverpool, has been shortlisted in two categories: Most Impactful Communications Award and Most Inspirational Secondary School.
St Elizabeth's Catholic Primary School, Sefton, has been shortlisted for Most Inspirational Primary School.
St Francis Xavier's Catholic Academy, Liverpool, has been shortlisted for the Careers & Enterprise Award.
St James' Catholic High School, Stockport, has been shortlisted for Outstanding Commitment to Sport in Secondary School.
St John Bosco Arts College, Liverpool, has been shortlisted in two categories: Most Impactful Communications Award and Outstanding Arts in Secondary School.
St Mary's Catholic Junior Academy, St Helens, has been shortlisted for School Library of the Year.
The Academy of St Nicholas, Liverpool, has been shortlisted for Outstanding Commitment to the Environment & Sustainability.

Now in its fourteenth year, the Educate Awards features 21 categories, shining a spotlight on every aspect of education, from sport and the arts to literacy, careers, and the environment.

The shortlist celebrates inspirational teachers, dedicated support staff and visionary leadership teams, who continue to make a lasting difference in their school communities.

In partnership with ASL Group, the Educate Awards is the biggest and most prestigious celebration of education in the North West. The event brings together schools, colleges and multi academy trusts from Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside to recognise their achievements in an unforgettable way.

Kim O'Brien, founder of the Educate Awards, said: "Congratulations to the Catholic schools on being shortlisted for this year's Educate Awards. Each year, we are blown away by the incredible work taking place across the region, and 2025 has been no exception. This year's shortlist is a true reflection of the innovation and dedication shown by senior leadership teams, teachers and support staff.

Kim added: "The standard of entries has been outstanding, and we can't wait to roll out the red carpet in November to celebrate the remarkable achievements of all our finalists."

The Educate Awards promises a spectacular evening, featuring show-stopping live performances from schools across the region, a three-course gala dinner, and the highly anticipated awards ceremony itself.

Kim shared: "A huge thank you to our partner, ASL Group, and to our valued associate sponsors for supporting this year's event. Their backing ensures we can continue to deliver a truly special celebration of education, and without them, the Educate Awards simply would not be possible."

The associate sponsors include All About STEM, Angel Solutions, Apprenticeships at Liverpool Hope University, CER, CPMM Media Group, Frank Field Education Trust, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority Careers Hub, LJMU, LSSP, Satis Education and SENDSCOPE.