The Birkenhead Park School has been shortlisted for Most Inspirational Secondary School at this year’s prestigious Educate Awards.
The category recognises secondary schools that have demonstrated exceptional achievements during the 2025-26 academic year, with judges looking for innovative practice, measurable impact, meaningful enrichment opportunities and a commitment to inclusion, belonging and whole-child development.
The shortlisting recognises the continued progress being made at The Birkenhead Park School, where students benefit from a wide range of opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.
Over the past academic year, the school has continued to develop engaging initiatives including BPS University, Ignite Speeches, The Big Read, oracy and careers education, alongside more than 75 educational visits last year and a programme of more than 30 extracurricular clubs each week.
The school has also continued to make progress in academic achievement, attendance, and outcomes for disadvantaged students and those with SEND.
Attendance has been a particular focus, with The Birkenhead Park School achieving the most improved attendance on the Wirral in the 2024-25 academic year. The work was recognised at last year’s Educate Awards, where Ms Tisdale, BePART Director of Attendance and Parental Engagement, was named Support Star of the Year for her contribution to supporting students and families through the school’s attendance team.
The shortlisting also comes shortly after a recent Ofsted inspection, which highlighted the significant progress made at the school. Inspectors said that pupils’ experiences had “improved dramatically”, while also recognising high expectations, strong relationships, respectful behaviour and pupils’ sense of belonging.
The recognition reflects the school’s journey as ‘a school transformed’ through dedicated leadership and teamwork. This collaborative approach continues to drive positive change and progress across all areas of school life.
The shortlisting also reflects the work of The BePART Trust alongside the school’s leaders and staff. The Trust has helped drive the school’s transformation through high expectations, a shared approach to teaching and learning, and specialist support in areas including attendance. Together, they have created a school where students are supported to achieve and feel that they belong.
Mrs Dawes, Headteacher at The Birkenhead Park School, said: “This is a wonderful recognition of the hard work, dedication and ambition of our whole school community. It is incredibly rewarding to see the difference our work is making, particularly when our students are engaged, growing in confidence and making the most of the opportunities available to them.
“We are proud of the huge progress our school has made and, most importantly, of the young people at the heart of everything we do. To be shortlisted for such a prestigious award is a fantastic achievement, and we are looking forward to attending the ceremony in November.”
The Educate Awards ceremony will take place at Liverpool Cathedral on Friday 13 November.