The field for this year’s awards was as strong as ever and celebrates the best educators, schools and pupils across our wide patch.
While there had to be winners – which we are delighted to announce to you today – we want to take a moment to thank every single person that took the time to nominate an individual school or facility as they best.
It goes to show the huge impact that educator can have on a young person’s life from the moment they meet them to the day they become an adult.
Some of the testimonials received through our nominations show that it is as vital as ever to have the best people working in education.
Usually, there is a big event to celebrate the best of education across Chester.
However, this year we took the decision to take the celebrations to be enjoyed by the people who matter – the pupils.
Our winners were instead celebrated in the environments where they do the work that has led to them picking up these awards, in the schools where they shape the future of the country.
Editor Jon Barnett, who has overseen the awards, says this has led to genuine delight among the headteachers, teachers, assistants and support workers with their pupils.
He said: “The decision to present the awards to our winners at their schools is one we’re very proud of.
“Going there, we have seen the impact they have on the lives of so many young people, whether it is the young ones in nursery care or those about to embark on the biggest years of their life.
“A huge well done to everyone that was nominated and especially to our winners.
“May the 2026 awards be bigger and better.”
The winners for 2025 were:
• Best Professional Leader – Clare Bullimore, Little Leaders
• Pupil of the Year – Caleb Newman
• Primary School of the Year – Dee Point Primary School
• Primary Teacher of the Year – Bernise Whitley, St Clare’s Catholic Primary School
• Secondary Teacher of the Year – Kim Pitchford, Christleton Secondary School
• Teaching Assistant of the Year – Sally Campbell
• Secondary School of the Year – Ellesmere Port Catholic High School
• Support Worker of the Year – Robbie Mills, St Winefride’s
• Early Years Provision of the Year – Little Rascals, Hawarden
A huge well done to you all and keep an eye on the Chester Standard’s Facebook page for a special video celebrating all of our winner this week.