The shortlist for the 2025 Raising Rochdale Education Awards has been announced, with the big night set to take place in November 2025.
The awards ceremony, now in its second year and sponsored by The Ogden Trust, shines a light on the outstanding contributions of individuals and teams across schools and colleges in our borough.
With 18 categories up for grabs, awards handed out on the night will include Teacher of the Year, School of the Year and a special award dedicated to commitment shown to science education.
More than 600 nominations were submitted this year by pupils, parents, carers, governors and school staff, with entries acknowledging the dedication and hard work of those shaping the future of education in the borough.
'Another exciting night of celebration'
After a careful judging process, a total of 58 entries were shortlisted by a panel made up of local headteachers and education experts.
Event organiser, Andrew Bridson, who is also headteacher of Cardinal Langley RC High School, said:
“We are really looking forward to another exciting night of celebration as we put the spotlight on those who help to make a real difference to the lives of children and young people in our borough.
“The judging process was incredibly competitive, with nominations almost doubling from last year which just goes to show how deeply valued our local educators are and, while we do have a shortlist, I would like to acknowledge everyone who has been nominated for this year’s event.”
Councillor Rachel Massey, cabinet member for children’s services and education at Rochdale Borough Council, added:
“Education plays a massive role in the lives of our children and young people and it’s important we recognise the efforts that are made to support them throughout their learning journey.
“Our teachers, support staff and school governors are there to change children’s lives and inspire them on their path, and they each play a memorable part in a child’s life because it is what they learn in the classroom that stays with them for the rest of their lives.
“They are a massive part in our local commitment to Raising Rochdale and, while it may sound a bit cheesy, they are all winners in my eyes as together they help every child to succeed and have the best start in life.”
This year’s ceremony will be held at Rochdale Town Hall on Friday, 14 November 2025.
Shortlisted nominees
Commitment to Inclusion Award - sponsored by Dale Futures CIC
- Raise Rochdale
- Castleton Primary School
- Falinge Park High School
Personal Development Award - sponsored by Rochdale Training
- Rochdale Sixth Form College (Ashley Handley)
- Falinge Park High School (Sami Mir)
- Healey Learning Centre (APEX)
Commitment to Science Education Award - sponsored by The Ogden Trust
- Hopwood Hall College (Dr Emma Clear-Jones)
- Matthew Moss High School (Hayden Saville)
- Meanwood Community Nursery and Primary School (Rachael Quigley)
Sustainability Project of the Year Award - sponsored by PLP Construction Ltd
- Deeplish Primary Academy (Active Travel Rochdale)
- Hopwood Hall College (Green Beans Green Society)
- Smithy Bridge Foundation Primary School (Forest School)
Commitment to Sport Award - sponsored by M&Y Maintenance and Construction
- Cardinal Langley Roman Catholic High School
- St Anne's Church of England Academy
- St Peter's Roman Catholic Primary School, Rochdale
Primary Support Star of the Year Award - sponsored by APEX Specialist Education
- Shawclough Community Primary School (Lorraine Stapleton)
- Greenbank Primary School (Samantha McGovern and Rebecca Jones)
- Redwood (Juston Axon)
Community Engagement Award - sponsored by Me and You Education
- Hollingworth Academy
- Hopwood Hall College
- Oulder Hill Leadership Academy
Secondary Support Star of the Year Award - sponsored by Life Changing Education
- Cardinal Langley Roman Catholic High School (Eileen Peak)
- Holy Family Roman Catholic and Church of England College (Andrea Worrall)
- Middleton Technology School (Susan Ashworth)
Cultural Education Award - sponsored by Create Rochdale
- Cardinal Langley Roman Catholic High School
- Falinge Park High School
- St Anne's Church of England Academy
Post-16 Support Star of the Year Award - sponsored by Dunsters Farm
- Cardinal Langley RC High School (Helen Farrell)
- Hopwood Hall College (Steven Smith)
- Redwood (Carol Cain)
Governor of the Year Award - sponsored by Mysonpages.com
- Eric Jackson – Redwood
- Barry Corless – Oulder Hill Leadership Academy
- Kathryn Knight – Elm Wood Primary School
Primary Teacher of the Year Award - sponsored by Tradewind Recruitment
- Castleton Primary School (Lucy Leese)
- St Margaret's Church of England Primary School (Nicole McShane)
- Stansfield Hall Church of England / Methodist Church Primary School (David Britner)
Leadership Team of the Year Award - sponsored by Vimto (Nichols PLC)
- Elm Wood Primary School
- Hollingworth Academy
- Hopwood Hall College
- Oulder Hill Leadership Academy
Secondary Teacher of the Year Award - sponsored by Tradewind Recruitment
- Matthew Moss High School (Ethan Dent)
- Matthew Moss High School (Nicola Edwards)
- Oulder Hill Leadership Academy (Rebecca Tarran)
Lifetime Achievement Award - sponsored by KPMG LLP
- David Scourfield – Educational Visits Service
- Deborah Ball – Rochdale Schools
- Harry Johnson – Shawclough Community Primary School
- Jill Nagy – CEO of Rochdale Training
- Maria Abbott – Cardinal Langley Roman Catholic High School
Post-16 Tutor of the Year Award - sponsored by AAA Pest Control
- Hopwood Hall College (Bryan Bentley)
- Hopwood Hall College (Corrine Jackson)
- Rochdale AFC (Shireen Bisping)
Mental Health and Wellbeing Award - sponsored by Healthwatch
- Cardinal Langley Roman Catholic High School
- Falinge Park High School
- Meanwood Community Nursery and Primary School
Raising Rochdale School or College of the Year Award - sponsored by Rochdale Development Agency)
- Brimrod Community Primary School
- Falinge Park High School
- Redwood
- Rochdale Sixth Form College