Holy Trinity Primary School in Southport has been crowned the 2024 Sefton School Of The Year, sponsored by Southport College, at the Pride Of Sefton Awards.
The school “with a huge heart” wowed judges with the way they welcome children and their families into the community at a school where English is an additional language for over two thirds of pupils.
The talented youngsters at the school impressed people across the region when they worked with Southport BID to create a superb video version of Abba’s iconic Waterloo song – sung in seven different languages – to celebrate Liverpool hosting the Eurovision Song Contest in 2023.
Holy Trinity Primary School Headteacher Linda Thompson was invited onto the stage to accept the 2024 Sefton School Of The Year Award from Southport Education Group Principal Michelle Brabner.
Holy Trinity Primary School in Southport has been crowned the 2024 Sefton School Of The Year, sponsored by Southport College, at the Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards. The award was collected by Headteacher Linda Thompson, Photo by Kevin Brown Photography
On stage, she spoke about how Holy Trinity Primary School has been ‘hidden’ from sight for too long in its position behind Holy Trinity Church in Southport.
Winning the School Of The Year accolade will certainly catapult them into the spotlight.
Southport Education Group Principal Michelle Brabner said:
“Southport Education Group were delighted to sponsor the School of the Year Award again this year and we were thrilled that Holy Trinity Primary School were the very worthy winners.
“It was a fantastic evening, celebrating a host of remarkable achievements from across our region and we would like to offer our congratulations to all the wonderful winners.”
Holy Trinity Primary School in Southport has been crowned the 2024 Sefton School Of The Year, sponsored by Southport College, at the Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards. The award was collected by Headteacher Linda Thompson, Photo by Kevin Brown Photography
Holy Trinity Primary was described by the parents who nominated it as “a school with a huge heart”.
One nomination said: “Headteacher Linda Thompson goes above and beyond to advocate for the incredible children in the school and provide them with the support that they need.
“The school is in one of the 10% most deprived communities in the country and staff aim to not only meet the needs of the families, but also provide opportunities for the children to have new and exciting experiences.
“English is an additional language for 68% of the children in the school. Some may view this solely as an educational challenge, however Holy Trinity views this as reason to celebrate. “Being multilingual is an incredible achievement and the languages that the children speak are celebrated in many ways.
Holy Trinity Primary School in Southport has been crowned the 2024 Sefton School Of The Year, sponsored by Southport College, at the Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards. The award was collected by Headteacher Linda Thompson, Photo by Kevin Brown Photography
“At Christmas 2022, the whole school recorded a video of themselves singing ‘Jingle Bells’ in 8 different languages, and sang ‘Waterloo’ in 7 different languages for Eurovision 2023, winning first prize in the School Improvement Liverpool’s competition.
“The diverse community is celebrated and the school regularly looks for new ways to support the pupils and welcome new families to the area, helping them to become part of the community.
“Children support new arrivals and translate for those who speak the same language (this is very successful when there are 24 or more languages spoken in the school).
“It is such a beautiful school with a fantastic welcome.
Holy Trinity Primary School in Southport has been crowned the 2024 Sefton School Of The Year, sponsored by Southport College, at the Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards. Southport Education Group Principal Michelle Brabner, Photo by Kevin Brown Photography
“I couldn’t speak highly enough of the staff of the school who give their all for the children.”
The 2024 Pride Of Sefton Awards saw 13 categories on the night at The Grand in Southport, with incredible stories behind all the finalists.
There were over 1,300 nominations for community figures from Southport, Bootle, Crosby, Formby, Maghull and across Sefton.
The Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards were organised by Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group and Stand Up For Southport in association with media partners In Demand Radio.
The night was hosted by In Demand Radio presenter Claire Simmo, with entertainment from Whitney Houston tribute performer Michelle Lawson, soul singer Dave Broe and DJ Baz Todd.
Holy Trinity Primary School in Southport has been crowned the 2024 Sefton School Of The Year, sponsored by Southport College, at the Grand Pride Of Sefton Awards. The award was collected by Headteacher Linda Thompson, Photo by Kevin Brown Photography
As Sefton celebrates its 50th birthday, VIP guests attending the awards included Sefton Council Leader Cllr Marion Atkinson; Mayor of Sefton Cllr June Burns; and council Chief Executive Phil Porter.
Also enjoying the evening were boxing world title challenger Martin Murray and Liverpool FC legend Gary Gillespie.
Pictures on the night were taken by Kevin Brown Photography with videography by Zack Downey from ZED Productions.
Fundraising took place on the night with proceeds going to ICU Steps, the intensive care patient support charity.
- For more details about the Pride Of Sefton Awards please visit: www.prideofseftonawards.co.uk or email: standupforsouthport@gmail.com
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Do you need advertising, PR or media support? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com
