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.

The grand final of the Frank Field Education Trust (FFET) 500 Word Competition was held on 26th March 2025 at Cranage Estate, celebrating the incredible creativity and imagination of young writers from Ellesmere Port C of E College, Birches Head Academy, and Handforth Grange Primary School.

This exciting event highlighted the winning stories from students spanning a range of age categories, all exploring the theme of "Extraordinary."

Birches Head Academy (BHA) is pleased to share its most recent Ofsted inspection report, which took place on 28 January 2025. The school received positive feedback regarding its ongoing improvements and commitment to providing a high standard of education.

The report acknowledged the school’s dedication to addressing previous recommendations, particularly in areas such as behaviour and attendance. Inspectors found that “there has been a focus on improving the culture across the school and creating a calm, safe environment for all. Pupils and staff know that the bar has been raised… and that expectations are high.”

Pupils from Ellesmere Port C of E College, Birches Head Academy and Handforth Grange Primary School are preparing for an unforgettable educational and cultural journey to Chengdu in China. Departing on 22th March 2025, this immersive trip promises to broaden their horizons through a series of enriching cultural experiences.

The week-long itinerary is packed with opportunities for pupils to engage with Chinese culture, history, and education. Upon arrival in Chengdu, the group will visit the renowned Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Centre, offering a first-hand look at China’s iconic giant pandas and conservation efforts.

February 2025 – A talented group of young performers from Ellesmere Port took centre stage at Ellesmere Port C of E College (EPC) to rock audiences with their production of School of Rock – The Musical.  

Based on the beloved 2003 film starring Jack Black, the musical – featuring music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Glenn Slater, and a book by Julian Fellowes, follows the story of Dewey Finn, a failed rock musician who impersonates a supply teacher and transforms a class of elite prep school students into a high-energy rock band.

There are three age categories: Years 1 and 2, year 3 and 4, Years 5 and 6, Years 7 and 8 and Years 9 and 10. Spelling, punctuation and grammar are not marked – it’s all about creativity!

Finalists will be invited to go to a glamorous grand final at Cranage Hall where the bronze (2), silver (2) and gold (2) winners in each category will have their stories read out.

There are also prizes to be won – each winner will take home books and the gold winners also win books for their school library.

Not only that, but the winning stories will also be published in a FFET short story illustrated anthology.