Burnage Named Region's Most Inspirational Secondary School

After an award-winning 2024, Burnage Academy has now been named ‘Most Inspirational Secondary School’ at the 2025 Educate Awards.

As the largest and most prestigious education awards in the region, the Educate Awards bring together schools, colleges and multi-academy trusts from Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside. They recognise inspiring teachers, dedicated support staff and strategic leadership teams who continue to make a meaningful difference in their communities.

On naming Burnage Academy for Boys as the ‘Most Inspirational Secondary School,’ judges highlighted our exceptional academic progress, and our work around mental health.

“Burnage Academy has become a beacon of aspiration and achievement. Since 2018, the school has redefined what success looks like for boys, embedding values of resilience, independence, and care into every aspect of school life. From trauma-informed teaching and exceptional academic progress to promoting mental health and building community cohesion, Burnage is leading the way."

The glittering ceremony took place at Liverpool Cathedral and welcomed over 600 guests, hosted by broadcaster Simon ‘Rossie’ Ross.

“We are absolutely delighted, and humbled, to have been awarded this prize,” said Mr Harrison, Headteacher.

“It is particularly special to have been recognised by those from the North West, where I know so many schools do such wonderful work.

“This is testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, students and families and I am extremely proud.”

Kim O’Brien, founder of the Educate Awards, said: “Congratulations to all of the incredible winners at this year’s Educate Awards!

“A big well done to the runners-up and finalists, and thank you to everyone who took the time to enter. Each year, the judges’ job gets harder, and once again, the results were incredibly close.

Kim added: “We’re incredibly proud that the Educate Awards continues to shine a light on the remarkable achievements of schools and colleges across the region. The dedication, creativity and care shown by staff and students never fails to inspire us.”