Linaker Primary School in Southport has been crowned as the Sefton School Of The Year sponsored by Southport Education Group at the 2026 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards.
Linaker Primary Headteacher Mr Cunniffe and his team went up to collect the prestigious award from Southport Education Group Principal CEO Michelle Brabner at a glittering night of celebration at The Grand in Southport.
On Monday, children at the school were able to celebrate the award with an extra break time!
Over the past 12 months Linaker Primary School, on Linaker Street in Southport, has shown what it truly means to be the heart of a community.
From providing a free breakfast club so that no child starts the day hungry, to running a baby group with qualified staff, the school’s commitment extends far beyond the classroom.
It uplifts families, builds community and changes lives.
They said: “We are so proud to have won the Sefton Pride School of the Year Award and overwhelmed by the effort from the whole of #TeamLinaker over the past year.
“Thank you to every child, staff member, parent and members of our wider community for making this possible.”
Southport Education Group’s Principal CEO Michelle Brabner said: “It was an honour to present the School of the Year Award at the Pride of Sefton Awards.
“Being able to celebrate the impact that schools have across Sefton and recognise the dedication of staff was incredibly special.
“Congratulations to Linaker Primary School on a very well-deserved win and to all of the other fantastic winners and nominees who make such a positive difference to our community every day.”
Finalists in the School Of The Year category were Maghull High School and The Pines Referral Unit at Redgate Primary School in Formby.
The 2026 Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards celebrated selfless, talented and courageous people across 13 categories at The Grand in Southport on Friday night (24th April 2026).
The evening was hosted by former Sky Sports News presenter Fraser Dainton with VIP guests including HM Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside Peter Oliver OBE and Mayor of Sefton Cllr Burns, on one of her final engagements to crown her three busy years as Mayor.
The Main Award winner on the night was Queenscourt Hospice founder Dr Karen Groves MBE.
Funds were raised on the night for the ICU Steps charity, which supports patients in intensive care and their families.
The Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards are organised by Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group and Stand Up For Southport in association with media partners In Demand Radio with support from Southport BID.
There are 13 categories including Child of Courage, School Of The Year, Community Impact, Charity Champion and more, plus the Main Award.
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