Bebington school, St John plessington scoops Secondary School of the Year at the Times Educational Supplement National Awards

Jun 23 2010 by Matt Hurst, Heswall News

A BEBINGTON school was named Secondary School of the Year by a prestigious judging panel.

St John Plessington Catholic College was described as “one of the most improved in the country” by judges deciding the recipients of the 2010 Times Educational Supplement (TES) National Awards.

The Old Chester Road school came close in two categories last year, but scooped the big one last week.

Deputy head at St John Plessington (SJP), Brian Lally, put the award down to the school’s continuing efforts to help other academic facilities, and its focus on community.

Mr Lally told Wirral News: “It’s a community where we are trying really hard to push everyone, no matter who they are or what level they are.

“We have the full academic range, we’re a true all ability comprehensive school.”

Representatives headed down to London to receive the award.

The Bishop of Shrewsbury, Bishop Brian Noble said: “I congratulate the college and the community it serves on an outstanding achievement, an outcome secured by hard work, creativity and commitment to the needs of all pupils. “The college has made great things happen and it exemplifies all that is best in Catholic education.”

SJP staff have been involved with schools throughout Merseyside to try and improve standards, and this was recognised by judges, who noted it had “done excellent work helping others”.

One example has seen a deputy head from SJP move to become headteacher at a St Helens school, on a temporary basis, and deliver the school out of special measures.

To celebrate their success, SJP are giving all pupils the afternoon off to watch England’s final World Cup group game against Slovenia.

Brian Lally said: “It seemed like the obvious thing to do.

“We’re still putting together plans for a big celebration because it’s not just about the pupils, but also the families and the wider community.

“That’s at the heart of it and I think that’s what has been recognised with the award.”