The best schools and teachers across the country have been shortlisted in this year’s Tes Schools Awards. The Tes Schools Awards, which have been dubbed the ‘Oscars of education’, is a prestigious awards programme which celebrates the best of education across the UK. It has now been revealed that Frank Field Education Trust and The Ellesmere Port C of E College has been shortlisted in the category of The Tim Brighouse Community Engagement Initiative of the Year award.
It is with huge sadness that we heard about Frank’s passing.
Throughout his impressive career, Frank gave his life to improving the lives of those around him. His unwavering commitment to social justice not only defined his decades of public service, but is also the foundation stone for so many causes and organisations he was involved in.
That is why, as the founder of Frank Field Education Trust, our mentor and, above all, our friend, he had such a profound impact on our multi-academy trust and all those who are connected to our schools. Frank’s focus on ensuring that all young people have access to the same educational opportunities is at the heart of everything we do. Chris Hampshire Chair of The Frank Field Education Trust, stated that he will do all he can to ensure Frank’s vision and legacy lives on.
Handforth Grange has been awarded the United Against Bullying GOLD School status by the Anti-Bullying Alliance, marking a significant achievement in their commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all pupils. The United Against Bullying programme aims to support schools in their efforts to combat bullying and enhance the overall well-being of all pupils.
Handforth Grange’s attainment of the United Against Bullying GOLD School status underscores their dedication to creating a nurturing and inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued and protected. Achieving this recognition is no small feat, as it requires a concerted effort and commitment from the entire school community.
Handforth Grange Primary School (HGPS) was recently inspected by Ofsted and has been graded OUTSTANDING after its first Ofsted inspection since joining the Frank Field Education Trust.
The school was rated as ‘outstanding’ in all five key judgement areas, which include: The Quality of Education, Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development, Leadership & Management and Early Years provision.
At Birches Head Academy, we have provision for two parent governors and there is currently a vacancy as one of our parent governors will sadly reach the end of his term this summer.
No special qualifications are needed, and the most important thing is to have a keen interest in the school and be prepared to play an active part in the local governing board’s work. Training is available for all local governors and the Trust has an expectation that those new to being a local governing board member undertake induction and safeguarding training.
Birches Head Academy (BHA) has been awarded the International School Award by the British Council in recognition of its outstanding efforts to promote global education within its curriculum and school culture.
The school's commitment to international work, formation of global relationships, educational trips, student exchanges and initiatives promoting international awareness and understanding has recognised BHA in fostering cross-cultural experiences for its students.
The creative minds behind the Friends of Handforth Grange Primary School (FoHG) devised an inventive approach to generate funds for a new trim trail installation at the school. Inspired by the release of the latest Wonka film, they introduced a thrilling challenge—selling chocolate bars with hidden ‘golden tickets.’
Already making waves, FoHG have raised an astonishing £11,000, steering them closer to their £13,000 target for acquiring new equipment for the school field. Anwyl Homes has generously contributed £500 towards prizes for the giveaway.
The EPC Elves, known for spreading seasonal cheer, have once again lent their magic to support the success of this much-anticipated event by Friends of Hadlow Road Station!
Pupils from The Ellesmere Port C of E College looked fantastic and did an incredible job escorting everyone to Santa’s signal box grotto. #CommunitySupportingCommunity
The Ellesmere Port Church of England College extends a heartfelt thank the ‘Friends of Hadlow Road Station’ for their generous donation of £400 toward our Duke of Edinburgh programme.
This donation will be instrumental in providing essential equipment for our pupils' participation in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme.
We are delighted to announce we have been shortlisted in the 2023 Educate Awards for:
Most Inspirational Secondary School of the Year
Kate Watt for Support Star of the Year
The Educate Awards, founded by Kim O’Brien in 2012, have grown into the largest education awards in the North-West. This glittering ceremony is the talk of the region, where the finest schools, colleges, teachers and support staff across Merseyside, Cheshire, Lancashire and Greater Manchester come together to celebrate their achievements in a truly unique fashion.
A new flood-lit third generation (3G) artificial grass pitch was officially opened at Birches Head Academy on Thursday 28 September 2023 and is set to support pupils, the local and wider community.
The ribbon cutting ceremony took place on the new 3G pitch, where special guests and VIPs were invited to celebrate to mark the event.
The grand opening commenced with a football tournament between pupils on the new pitch. Guests were greeted with a ‘hand-pan’ musical performance as they arrived to mark the start of the ceremony. The ceremony opened with a welcome from Principal, Ms Katie Dixon who was joined by pupils from the Leadership Team.
Most pupils will continue their studies at EPC’s Sixth Form where they will embark on a range of A-level qualifications. Our Trust motto of ‘Aspire not to have more, but to be more’ has truly been exemplified by our pupils.
Mrs Green, Principal at EPC said: “Following our wonderful Ofsted and SIAMS reports, I am delighted that our pupils continue to flourish and, as stated by our SIAMS Inspector, ‘pupils continue to be ignited by our powerful sense of ambition for all.
I wish each and every student the best and it was wonderful to celebrate the success of our outstanding pupils, many of whom are coming back to continue their journey with us at Sixth Form.
BHA pupils were in high spirits this year as they collected their GCSE results. The staff and governors of Birches Head Academy are pleased and proud to report some outstanding achievements by its pupils in their GCSE and Vocational qualifications this summer. We are delighted that the majority of pupils have gained the qualifications they need to follow in their first-choice pathway.
Ms K. Dixon, Principal at BHA said: “This has been an incredibly tough two years. We all know how hard it’s been at times, but also how hard students, the school community and parents have worked together to achieve these results. We are very proud of them all and we look forward to seeing what they will achieve in the future.”
The Frank Field Education Trust (FFET) are delighted to announce that judges from the Cheshire West Governance Association have recently awarded the Chair of Governing Body at EPC, Rev. Gordon McGuinness for the winner in the category 'Chair of the Year 2022-23'.
The judges wished to recognise Gordon’s sustained contribution to the school through a very difficult period, in which the school has been transformed. The positive impact of this change on the pupils of the school is significant.
The Ellesmere Port C of E College would like to thank Friends of Hadlow Road Station for their kind donation of £360 towards our Duke of Edinburgh programme. This money will be used to buy the necessary equipment for the pupils to undertake the Duke of Edinburgh course.
Following the special Coronation Pop-Up Café at Hadlow Road Station, The Friends of Hadlow Road Station donated £360 to Ellesmere Port Church of England College’s Duke of Edinburgh fund.
I have the greatest pleasure in attaching a copy of our most recent OFSTED inspection report. Never before in the history of this school, or its predecessors, has it received such a glowing report or outcome and I am extremely proud.
I would like to extend a big thank you to staff, pupils, students, families, governors, trustees and the local community who have been very supportive over the years. Together, with the Frank Field Education Trust, I look forward to continuing the College’s strong upward trajectory. Our pupils and students deserve the best quality of education and there are no limits to what they can achieve here.
Forty students from Birches Head Academy (BHA) recently travelled to Granada to work with partner school, Escolapios Genil Granada – a project funded by the Turing Scheme. From the 40 successful applicants, 20 students were then partnered up with 20 students from our partner school in Spain, with the aim of initiating a traditional exchange.
As you are aware the National Education Union (NEU) has announced both National and Regional dates for industrial action. The remaining Strike dates are scheduled below.
• Tuesday 28th February 2023 – Ellesmere Port Church of England College and Handforth Grange Primary School
• 1st March 2023– Birches Head Academy
• Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th March 2023 – Birches Head Academy, Ellesmere Port Church of England College and Handforth Grange Primary School
Nominations now open for the Lord Field Social Justice Awards. To commemorate the life and service of our founder, the Frank Field Education Trust has created the Lord Frank Field Community and Social Justice Awards. Lord Field spent his adult life fighting against poverty and social injustice and served his community with distinction for over 40 years.
The purpose of the annual awards is to celebrate the pupils in our community who have gone above and beyond, during the last 12 months, to make a difference in school or in their communities by helping and supporting others.
The Frank Field Education Trust (FFET) proudly hosted its first-ever Chess Competition, bringing together students from schools across the Trust, including Birches Head Academy, Ellesmere Port C of E College and Handforth Grange Primary School.
The competition also welcomed external challengers, with students from Ormiston Horizon Academy, Excel Academy, Clayton Hall Academy Our lady and St Werburgs Primary School and Heron Cross Primary School also joining in the tournament.
The Frank Field Education Trust (FFET) is proud to announce the launch of the Lord Frank Field Community and Social Justice Awards, created to honour the life, legacy, and values of the Trust’s late founder, Lord Frank Field.
Lord Field devoted more than four decades of his life to public service, tirelessly championing the fight against poverty and social injustice. His work touched countless lives and inspired a generation to believe in the power of compassion, fairness and community action.
To honour the memory of the late Lord Frank Field, an award will be named after him to mark his legacy and remarkable contribution to education and social justice.
Through a collaboration with the Educate Awards – the largest education awards in the North West – the Frank Field Education Trust (FFET) will commemorate its founder, the Rt. Hon. Lord Frank Field, who served as the Member of Parliament for Birkenhead for over 40 years.
The esteemed ‘Community Partnership Award’ will now be known as the ‘Lord Frank Field Community Partnership Award’.
Students from Birches Head Academy, Ellesmere Port C of E College and Handforth Grange have returned from an unforgettable one-week immersive experience in Chengdu, China.
The visit provided students with a unique opportunity to engage with Chinese culture, education, and history, fostering global connections and personal growth.
Last week, pupils from Birches Head Academy (BHA) delivered an unforgettable performance of Matilda Jr The Musical on the 26th and 27th of March 2025, bringing Roald Dahl’s beloved tale to the stage.
Students from across the academy amazed audiences with their remarkable acting, singing, and dancing, showcasing months of hard work. Under the direction of the performing arts department, the production featured impressive choreography, captivating set designs and musical numbers that had the audience singing along.
