Eldon Primary School has been shortlisted for Educate Awards 2017

Eldon Primary School, located in Eldon Street in Preston, is one of seven schools in Lancashire to be shortlisted for the Educate Awards 2017.

The prestigious awards, in partnership with Copyrite Systems and Ricoh, is now in its sixth year and is the biggest celebration of education in the North West.

The awards ceremony is held at Liverpool Cathedral, and is the one night of the year where the excellence of schools throughout Lancashire, the Liverpool City Region and Cheshire is celebrated and rewarded in a unique fashion.

The awards bring together inspiring leaders and support staff to showcase the brilliance within the region’s education sector.

Hundreds of entries were sent in across the 21 award categories, breaking previous records, including categories such as the Wow Recognition Award, Outstanding Sport and Teacher of the Year.

Eldon Primary School has been shortlisted in the Most Inspirational Primary School category, after transforming itself in to a thriving place for children, parents, staff and governors.

The past year has seen the school continuously seeking innovative ways to inspire its children, including the instillation of a radio station, 4D immersive room and the creation of ‘Eldon House’, a unique space used to enrich the curriculum and develop children’s personal skills.

The primary school is also in the running for the Outstanding Teaching of Life Skills Award, after the headteacher created ‘Eldon House’ when the house next door came up for sale.

‘Eldon House’ is a place to enhance life skills and help vulnerable families receive the support they needed – From comparing carpet prices, budgeting meals to discussing potential hazards around the home, it has put life skills in to a ‘real-life’ context for children.

Eldon House is also a valuable resource for families, with adult learning courses helping to develop the life chances of parents and their children.

Other Lancashire schools to be shortlisted include Tauheedul Islam Boys’ High School, St John Rigby College, Bickerstaffe CE School, St Damian’s RC Science College, Winstanley College and The Hollins Technology College.

Headteacher of Eldon Primary, Azra Butt, says: “Eldon is thrilled to be shortlisted for The Educate Awards once again this year.

“As the current holders of ‘ The Leadership Team of the Year’ we are highly excited about this year’s nominations.

“Among the many accolades Eldon has amassed over the last three years, we are extremely proud to be the current holders of the Educate Leadership Team of the Year Award!

“This time around, Eldon is thrilled to have been shortlisted for The Educate ‘Outstanding Teaching of Life Skills’ and for the ‘Most Inspirational Primary School of the Year!

“Life Skills are at the center of our broader curriculum – Children receive regular learning opportunities at Eldon House.

“This allows them to apply learning back at home and for their own future lives.

“Our children, staff, parents and leaders inspire each other and thus Eldon is an inspirational place to be – Everyone enjoys working together as a happy, diligent and resourceful team.

“We’re always looking for ways to develop the skills of our children and community in an engaging way.

“Eldon is flying high and long may it continue!”

Kim O’Brien, founder of the Educate Awards, said: “We are delighted to finally reveal the shortlisted schools ahead of the awards ceremony in November.

“This year’s shortlist includes schools and colleges of all sizes, from all across the region – So many congratulations to all those shortlisted, it was a very tough job for our judging panel!

“It’s so important to celebrate and shine a spotlight on the region’s inspirational teachers, support staff and school communities, who do such a fantastic job day in, day out.

“Well done and good luck to all the shortlisted schools in Lancashire.”

Does your child attend Eldon Primary School? What do you think about the school being shortlisted? Let us know in the comments below