An inspiring secondary school from Sandbach has been honoured at the Educate Awards.

Sandbach School won the Outstanding Arts in Secondary School category at yesterday's event (Friday). 

The judging panel was "incredibly impressed" by its vibrant arts programme and commitment to exceptional student opportunities.

In 2023, the school, in Crewe Road, earned the prestigious platinum arts mark award and was commended for its dedication to 'arts-rich learning'.

This recognition highlights the school's extensive efforts in curriculum innovation and performance opportunities, exemplified by the recent production of 'Anything Goes'.

Sandbach is also noted for its role as a community arts hub, recognised by the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) for best practices.

In May 2024, the Love Music Trust, established by the school, became the hub lead organisation for high-quality music education across Cheshire and the Wirral, impacting over 150,000 students.

In response to national levels of declining music A-level students, the school launched the Cheshire Specialist Music Course (CSMC) which provides talented young musicians with a specialist A-level programme.

As a result, Sandbach School now accounts for 30 per cent of all A-level musicians in Cheshire East, and the school alone had the same, or more, A-level musicians than 63 other local authorities.

Sandbach School was honoured at a glittering event in Liverpool last night. (Photo: Educate Awards)

Additionally, its cultural aspiration programme ensures accessibility to the arts for students from deprived backgrounds, providing free music lessons and performance tickets. Sandbach School's unwavering commitment to the arts offers students unparalleled opportunities to thrive and perform throughout the academic year.

The judging panel commented: "There is a great range of performance opportunities outside of Sandbach School that link to civic and community events, providing funding to ensure access to the arts for those who may not be able to afford to participate."

The school not only celebrated an award win that night but also showcased students' talents as the Big Band entertained guests during the three-course gala dinner. Comprising 21 students, the band delighted the audience with two captivating jazz pieces: 'Bésame Mucho' by Consuelo Velázquez and 'I've Got The World On A String' by Frank Sinatra.

The evening featured a variety of performances, starting with a DJ set from St John Bosco Arts College, Liverpool, during the drinks reception, following by a moving rendition of Heather Small's iconic hit 'Proud' by the school's gospel choir.

After the call for dinner, the choir joined a larger ensemble in the cathedral's main space to deliver a stunning performance of Emilie Sandé's 'Shine'.

Bringing an end to the evening's entertainment was LIPA Sixth Form College which delivered a stella performance of 'I'm Just Ken' from the Barbie soundtrack, including a rendition of 'Dance The Night' by Dua Lipa.

Now in its thirteenth year, the Educate Awards features 21 diverse categories and shines a spotlight on all aspects of education from sports and arts to literacy and the environment.

The shortlist recognises inspiring teachers, dedicated support staff and strategic leadership teams who continue to make a meaningful difference in their communities.

As the largest and most prestigious education awards in the region, the Educate Awards brings together schools, colleges and multi academy trusts from Merseyside, Cheshire, Lancashire, and Greater Manchester for a night of celebration and recognition.

In partnership with ASL Group, the glittering ceremony took place at the Liverpool Cathedral and welcomed over 600 guests. The evening was hosted by broadcaster, Simon 'Rossie' Ross.

Kim O'Brien, founder of the Educate Awards, said: "Congratulations to Sandbach School on its win at this year's Educate Awards! I would also like to thank the Big Band for its amazing performance during the evening.

 "A huge well done to the runners-up and finalists and thank you to everyone who took the time to enter. The results were incredibly close, and judges had their work cut out deciding not only the shortlist but also overall the winners."

Kim added: "The Educate Awards is proud to be shining a spotlight on the region's schools and colleges, and celebrating the amazing work taking place inside and outside of the classroom. Entries will for 2025 will open in February and we encourage all types of schools, colleges and multi academy trusts to submit entries."

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