The Educate Awards has announced that a specialist primary school from Knowsley has made this year’s shortlist.
Knowsley Central Primary School has been shortlisted in the Most Inspirational Specialist School category.
A thriving and inclusive school for 128 pupils with education, health and care plans (EHCPs), Knowsley Central supports children with profound and multiple learning difficulties, speech and communication needs, autism spectrum condition, and other complex challenges.
Through personalised learning, therapeutic support, and strong community partnerships, Knowsley Central ensures every child grows in confidence, enjoys learning, and develops life skills, guided by values that inspire engagement, independence, resilience and self-regulation.
The shortlisted school, along with three others in this category, will find out if they are winners on Friday, 14 November, at the glittering Educate Awards ceremony, hosted at the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral.
Now in its fourteenth year, the Educate Awards features 21 categories, shining a spotlight on every aspect of education, from sport and the arts to literacy, careers, and the environment.
The shortlist celebrates inspirational teachers, dedicated support staff and visionary leadership teams, who continue to make a lasting difference in their school communities.
In partnership with ASL Group, the Educate Awards is the biggest and most prestigious celebration of education in the North West. The event brings together schools, colleges and multi academy trusts from Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside to recognise their achievements in an unforgettable way.
Cllr David Lonergan, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services in Knowsley, said: “Congratulations to Knowsley Central Primary on their well-deserved shortlisting in this year’s Educate Awards.
“It certainly seems a fitting category for this brilliant school to be nominated in, as it really is inspirational – as I know plenty of parents, staff, pupils and visitors to the school would agree!
“It’s great to see Knowsley Central getting this recognition, well done to everyone involved.”
Kim O’Brien, founder of the Educate Awards, said: “Congratulations to the Knowsley Central Primary School on being shortlisted for this year’s Educate Awards.
“Each year, we are blown away by the incredible work taking place across the region, and 2025 has been no exception. This year’s shortlist is a true reflection of the innovation and dedication shown by senior leadership teams, teachers and support staff.
Kim added: “The standard of entries has been outstanding, and we can’t wait to roll out the red carpet in November to celebrate the remarkable achievements of all our finalists.”
The Educate Awards promises a spectacular evening, featuring show-stopping live performances from schools across the region, a three-course gala dinner, and the highly anticipated awards ceremony itself.
Kim shared: “A huge thank you to our partner, ASL Group, and to our valued associate sponsors for supporting this year’s event. Their backing ensures we can continue to deliver a truly special celebration of education, and without them, the Educate Awards simply would not be possible.”