An ‘exceptional’ Southport primary where staff have shown huge support to children and families impacted by last summer’s tragedy in Southport has won the 2025 Sefton School Of The Year Award.
Churchtown Primary School, which has recently led a campaign to raise over £360,000 to create a new playground in memory of girls who were killed, won the prestigious accolade, sponsored by Southport College, during an inspirational evening at The Pride Of Sefton Awards at The Grand in Southport.
Headteacher Jinnie Payne – who couldn’t be at the awards because she was getting ready to run the London Marathon alongside Sergio Aguiar, dad of Alice Aguiar, and other runners – won the Sefton Community Impact Award sponsored by Carlsberg.
Teacher Pip Coysh was a Finalist in the same category.
A Churchtown Primary School spokesperson said: “Some staff members attended the Pride of Sefton awards on Friday evening and felt truly honoured to be in the presence of some of Sefton’s most incredible people.
“Whilst it was an emotional evening, it was also a chance to recognise the hard work of so many people in our community.
“One of our wonderful teachers, Pip Coysh, was nominated for ‘Community Impact’ for the invaluable work she does supporting so many children in our school.
Headteacher, Jinnie Payne, was also nominated for ‘Community Impact’ for her inspiring leadership of our school. It is with great pleasure we announce that Mrs Payne won this very well-deserved award!
“Finally, it is with great pride that we announce that we were awarded, ‘School of the Year’. This is testament to the hard work of every single member of our school community, to ensure we provide each child in our care the opportunity to thrive, feel empowered and ultimately, for them to feel happy and confident learners!
“Whilst this is an honour, we must give special recognition to the other nominees in this category and to the other schools who have worked tirelessly, especially over the last year.
“We were blown away with everything you have done and continue to do and are so thankful to be surrounded by such an amazing network of schools for support and guidance.
“Thank you all once again for your ongoing support!”
One of the nominations submitted for the Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards said: “Churchtown Primary School is an exceptional place, where children, colleagues, parents and the wider community are embraced as equals. The school has a clear vision for inclusion, focussed on ensuring that every child benefits from the support that they need, when they need it, enabling all children to flourish and thrive.
“However, this year the school has faced unimaginable tragedy following the horrific events of last summer. The impact of these events has been profound at Churchtown because of the significant number of children and adults impacted. Both adults injured in the attack were current or former colleagues, Alice da Silva Aguiar was a pupil at Churchtown, and Bebe King had been a pupil until February 2024.
“The devastating impact of these events is incomprehensible, but the school has placed itself at the centre of the community through demonstrating a clear determination to stand side-by-side with all of those facing difficulties in the aftermath of this incident.
“Whilst some across the country chose to use this incident as an opportunity to sow division, Churchtown sent a clear message of hope, love and unity. This message was guided by the families involved, who have been central to the school’s response.
“Under the leadership of Jinnie Payne, Headteacher and with the support of Endeavour Learning Trust, Churchtown worked tirelessly to ensure that children, colleagues and parents were all given access to the support they needed. Two days after the attack during the summer holidays, the school opened its doors to all, providing a place for children, colleagues and families to come together to share in their grief and find connection. Mental health and educational psychology support services were put in place so that those present could access professional support where needed.
“This event was repeated weekly throughout the summer, facilitated by dozens of staff from Churchtown giving up their period of leave to support.
“At every stage, Churchtown Primary School’s response has been thoughtful, sensitive, considered and impactful.
“Significant planning around the start of the school year including additional training for colleagues meant that children returned to school with the best support and environment possible.
“Despite the huge challenges faced, together, the school community continues to build from strength to strength. Parental feedback demonstrates just how impactful the school’s work has been this year more than any other.
“The Headteacher of Churchtown Primary School, Jinnie Payne, has been working closely with the families involved to consider a lasting tribute for Alice and Bebe. Alice’s parents determined that they wanted to create a new playground for the school so that Alice could continue to bring joy and happiness to the school community, as she did throughout her life. In order to fundraise for the important cause, Jinnie ran the London Marathon alongside Sergio Aguiar, Alice’s Dad, and Gareth Caunce, Endeavour Learning Trust’s Director of Primary Education who works extensively with Churchtown.
“At the heart of the work within Churchtown is the purpose that has been set for us by Alice’s parents; they do not want any child’s education to be detrimentally impacted as a result of this dreadful incident. Everybody at Churchtown is committed to this mission and are working tirelessly to ensure that this is the case.”
The Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards are organised annually by Mikhail Hotel And Leisure Group and Stand Up For Southport with media support from In Demand Radio, with each of the 13 categories sponsored by supportive local businesses.
Over 2,000 nominations were received for this year’s Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards.
Next year’s awards will take place at The Grand on Lord Street in Southport on Friday 24th April 2026.
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