A Sandbach primary school is celebrating after receiving two prestigious national awards, recognising the school's commitment to environmental education and sporting excellence.

St John's CE Academy in Sandbach Heath has been awarded the Eco-Schools Green Flag Award and the Gold School Games Mark, capping off a year packed with memorable experiences.

The Eco-Schools Green Flag, led by teachers Matthew Sawdon and Steph Dean, alongside the school's dedicated Eco Team, recognises the children's outstanding commitment to protecting the environment.

Throughout the year, pupils have transformed part of the school grounds into an inspiring outdoor learning area, organised regular litter picks, promoted healthy eating, explored biodiversity, plastic pollution and sustainability, and taken the lead in making positive environmental changes around the school.

Assessors praised the children's enthusiasm and the genuinely pupil-led approach to the school's environmental work.

The school's sporting success has also been recognised with the Gold School Games Mark, achieved for the second consecutive year under the leadership of Deputy Headteacher Matthew Greasby.

The national award celebrates the school's commitment to providing a wide range of sporting opportunities and encouraging participation and competition for every child.

This year, pupils also enjoyed outstanding success at local competitions, including finishing second at the Sandbach Town Sports event.

Headteacher Mr Ricky Huddart said: "We are incredibly proud to receive both of these awards. They are fantastic recognition of the hard work, enthusiasm and commitment shown by our pupils and staff.

"We've had an incredible year, with experiences that many children will remember for the rest of their lives.

Whether it has been singing in front of thousands at Young Voices, exploring wildlife at Chester Zoo, taking on new challenges at Robinwood or representing the school in sport, every child has had the opportunity to grow in confidence and discover new interests.

"The school has come such a long way over the past couple of years, and I'm incredibly proud of what our whole school community has achieved together."

St John's CE Academy became part of North West Academies Trust in January 2025 and has been on a remarkable journey of improvement under its new leadership team.

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