IT was a night of laughter and tears at the Wirral Globe's second Schools Awards.

The glittering ceremony, at Thornton Hall Hotel and Spa on Wednesday night, celebrated all that's good in the borough's schools.

Sponsored by Typhoo Tea, Thornton Hall Hotel and Spa, Magenta, Capita and Mills Media, the awards aimed to seek out the best pupils, schools, teachers and other staff and, at the same time, highlight innovation and best practice across the area.

The award winners were:

  • Class of the year: Birkenhead Sixth Form College A-Level Theatre Studies class for their anti-social behaviour play ‘Bored’.
  • Unsung hero of the year – Gordon Pollock from Woodchurch CofE Primary School
  • Primary School of the year – Grove Street Primary School, New Ferry
  • Secondary School of the year – Weatherhead High School, Wallasey
  • Enterprising School of the year – Wirral Grammar School for Boys 
  • Primary pupil of the year – Zak Smith from St Werburgh’s R C Primary School, Birkenhead
  • Secondary school pupil of the year – Lucy Hamilton from Upton Hall School
  • Inspirational teacher – Leanne McGowan, Woodslee Primary School 
  • Headteacher of the year – Neil Dyment from Weatherhead High School, Wallasey
  • Lifetime achievement award – Debbie Crowley from Wirral Grammar School for Girls

Addressing the audience of award winners, invited guests and sponsors before the ceremony began, presenter Bob Williams said: "The awards were staged for the first time last year to celebrate the wonderful schools, teachers, staff and pupils – in fact, everything that’s great about education – in Wirral.

"The ceremony was held here, in the charming surroundings of Thornton Hall and it was a truly memorable night for everyone involved and we are delighted to be back.

"Having a daughter, now in her seventh year in the teaching profession, I know very well how hard she works and what she achieves, at times, in very challenging situations and despite the pressures she is continually under.

“I’m also someone who enjoyed and valued every moment of my school life – even though it was years ago than I care to remember!

“You’re going to hear about the achievements of the most dedicated and hard-working teachers, school heads and, of course, pupils in Wirral.

“We aim to prove that, despite that the challenges faced in the education sector, there is much to be proud of and celebrate”.

Full report and interviews with the award winners to follow. 

Click the gallery above to see our pictures from photographer Paul Heaps.