Two Knowsley primary schools are celebrating major milestones in promoting healthier lifestyles, after achieving prestigious awards through the borough’s Healthy Schools Programme.
Ravenscroft Primary School has attained its Silver Award, while Malvern Primary School has reached Gold status—becoming only the second school in Knowsley to achieve the scheme’s highest accolade.
Launched in November 2024, Knowsley’s Healthy Schools Programme supports schools to improve pupils’ health and wellbeing through better nutrition, increased physical activity, and positive lifestyle choices. Schools work towards Bronze, Silver and Gold awards by committing to a tailored ‘Pledge for a Healthy and Active Future’, backed by dedicated funding and support.
Ravenscroft Primary in Kirkby marked its Silver achievement with a vibrant pledge celebration event on Monday 15 June, opening up its playground to pupils, parents and the wider school community.
A range of activities were on offer, including boxing sessions, Zumba, and a popular smoothie bike, encouraging families to get active together and learn more about healthy choices.
The event also brought together key local partners, including School Nursing, Knowsley Works, the Knowsley Green Spaces Team and Early Years services, who provided oral health products and advice to families.
Malvern Primary School in Huyton celebrated its Gold Award at a special event held on Tuesday 16 June as part of its annual sports day, combining its healthy schools commitment with a day dedicated to physical activity. As part of their Gold Award, the school has secured Green Level accreditation through the Modeshift STARS Active Travel initiative—demonstrating its commitment not only to health and wellbeing within school, but also to sustainable and active journeys to and from school.
Partners at the event included Knowsley Green Spaces, Active Travel, City Health Care Partnership, School Nursing and GymFinity, all supporting pupils to explore different ways to stay active and healthy.
Tony James, Headteacher at Malvern Primary School said:
“Reaching Gold status reflects a huge team effort from our pupils, staff and families. The Healthy Schools Programme has had a lasting impact on our school, from improving physical activity levels to embedding positive habits that support both physical and mental wellbeing. Achieving Green Level for active travel alongside this award is something we are especially proud of, as it shows our commitment to a healthier and more sustainable future.”
Cllr Christine Bannon, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, commended both schools for their dedication to improving the health of pupils and their communities.
She said:
“It is fantastic to see Ravenscroft and Malvern Primary Schools achieving these well-deserved awards as part of our Healthy Schools Programme. Their commitment to encouraging healthier lifestyles—both in the classroom and beyond—is making a real difference to the wellbeing of their pupils and families.
“The creativity shown in their celebration events and the strong partnerships with local services highlight how schools can be at the heart of building healthier communities. Malvern’s Gold Award, in particular, is an outstanding achievement and sets a brilliant example for others to follow.”
The latest achievements build on the continued success of Knowsley’s Healthy Schools Programme, which has seen widespread uptake across the borough. Schools are supported to introduce healthier menus, encourage active lifestyles, and create environments where children can thrive.
With more schools progressing through the awards, Ravenscroft’s Silver and Malvern’s Gold success further demonstrate the programme’s positive impact—helping to establish lifelong healthy habits for young people across Knowsley.