Inspirational young people, incredible talents and innovative projects were all celebrated at this year’s Knowsley Education Awards yesterday (Tuesday, 23 June 2026).
Representatives from schools and colleges across Knowsley were welcomed to Knowsley Hall to recognise the success of individual pupils and groups over the past year.
Guests were welcomed to the event by Cllr Sean Donnelly, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, and were entertained by a number of outstanding young performers, including music from Millie Myrers of Halewood Academy and dance by Marty Conneely from The Prescot School.
There was also an emotional performance by one of the evening’s eventual winners: Alt Bridge School Choir. They performed an original song with a very special meaning: it was written by Alt Bridge student Mikey Bracken following the sad death of his friend, fellow pupil, Lloyd Newcombe. ‘Lloyd’s Song’ was then performed by the school choir for Lloyd’s family, and has become a powerful and lasting tribute to Lloyd by his friends.
And so it was no surprise when Mikey received his award later in the evening for Outstanding Achievement, whilst the choir picked up Young Citizens of the Year.
With so many incredible nominees, the judging panel had a really hard time choosing the eventual winners and highly commended entrants.
Other winners included Isla Hughes, inspirational head girl of Malvern Primary School, and Tilly Vickers, a young disability champion from All Saints Catholic High School. Young swimmer India Edwards from St Margaret Mary’s Catholic Junior School was recognised, as was motivational young sports coach Grace Gough from Malvern Primary School.
Cllr Sean Donnelly, Knowsley Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: “What an incredible night hearing about such inspirational young people from our borough.
“We’ve heard stories of total determination to succeed, and to support and inspire others along the way – sometimes in the face of real challenges or adversity.
“We were also treated to some top quality performances, including hearing Lloyd’s Song performed by Alt Bridge School Choir – what a moment.
“Congratulations to everyone who was nominated, and especially to our winners and highly commended. Knowsley can be very proud of you all – and I have no doubt that they all have very bright futures ahead.”
The 2026 Knowsley Education Award Winners in full:
Young Entrepreneur Award
Winner: Year 5 Social Action Project, Knowsley Lane Primary School
Year 5 pupils at Knowsley Lane Primary School, working with the LFC Foundation, have shown outstanding entrepreneurship by planning a social action summer fair to fundraise for school sensory provision. They have created and marketed products, including handmade bracelets, demonstrating creativity, teamwork and business skills while making a positive impact on their school community.
Highly Commended: Team Fidget from Activate CES
Commended for their project designing and selling 3D-printed sensory fidgets, then pitching their ideas at a QVC “Dragon’s Den” event and sold directly to customers at college fairs and markets. Judges said this showcased their innovation, creativity, teamwork, customer service and entrepreneurial confidence in real-world settings.
Next Future Leader
Winner: Isla Hughes – Malvern Primary School
Next Future Leader winner Isla Hughes from Malvern Primary School with Mayor of Knowsley, Cllr Edna Finneran
Isla is described as an exceptional young leader who leads with warmth, integrity and quiet determination. Unafraid to challenge the status quo, she always does what is right and brings others with her.
Highly Commended: Charlie Welsby and Luke Powell – Halewood Academy
This award was given in recognition of the excellent leadership qualities both pupils showed during a Duke of Edinburgh expedition. Both students were highlighted by external staff for their collaborative and supportive approach, consistently helping others in their group.
Cultural Achievement Award
Winner: Company of Hamlet – St Joseph the Worker
The Company of Hamlet at St Joseph the Worker won the Cultural Achievement Award.
The performance of Hamlet by these Year 6 pupils was so good they were invited to perform at the Epstein Theatre, following a successful first performance at Shakespeare North Playhouse. Pupils took great pride in their work and the experience transformed their confidence, focus, behaviour and teamwork, with a lasting impact felt right across school.
Highly commended: Creative Media Film Club from All Saints Catholic High School.
This group of year 10 and 11 students gave up their time at lunch and after school to create their own short movie – planning, directing, filming and editing. This small team has grown in confidence, with students finding their own voice and expressing themselves through their work.
Overcoming Adversity
Winner: Tilly Vickers – All Saints Catholic High School
Tilly Vickers from – All Saints Catholic High School won the Overcoming Adversity Award
Tilly is a passionate advocate for disability rights. Her courage and determination to keep challenging preconceptions of disability and inspire everyone she meets.
Highly Commended: Myles Cunningham & Darcy Cunningham
Myles has shown strength and resilience, is always positive and determined to learn, supported by his sister.
Highly Commended: Declan Adamson
Declan is described by his teachers as “a real credit to Knowsley”, has achieved well in his GCSEs and is now studying hard at A Level, all whilst also volunteering at a local charity.
Outstanding Achievement (Primary)
Winner: India Edwards – St Margaret Mary’s Catholic Junior School
India Edwards from St Margaret Mary’s Catholic Junior School picked up Outstanding Achievement
India began competitive swimming in April 2024, quickly progressing to A-Squad by September 2025. Training up to 12 hours weekly, she secured multiple medals and achieved county qualifying times, winning gold in 2026.
Highly commended: Simon Gough – Meadow Park
Simon’s teachers say he has “outstanding determination” and motivation to complete his work to high standards and has a great attitude to learning.
Outstanding Achievement (Secondary)
Winner: Alfie Lynch – Alt Bridge Secondary School
Alfie Lynch from Alt Bridge picked up an Outstanding Achievement award
Alfie’s school say he is “a wonderful young man” and is excelling at school and his personal life, overcoming challenges daily with a smile on his face.
Highly Commended: Ronni Moon – Kirkby High
Ronni consistently demonstrates the school’s ‘Kirkby Child Values’, working above target in many of her subjects. Her attendance, commitment to after‑school revision and strong work ethic show real ambition and resilience.
Outstanding Achievement (Special)
Winner: Mikey Bracken – Alt Bridge School
Mikey Bracken receives an Outstanding Achievement Award
Mikey is nominated for Outstanding Achievement for two remarkable creative successes. He wrote and independently published his own book, Torn Streets. He is also the writer of Lloyd’s Song, written following the death of his friend Lloyd, and performed by the school choir for Lloyd’s family.
Highly Commended: Dylan Jackson – Bluebell Park
Dylan has shown outstanding personal development since joining Bluebell Park. He leads meet-and-greets with visitors, supports staff recruitment and is a valued and active member of the pupil leadership team.
Outstanding Achievement (Post 16)
Winner: Libby Forshaw – All Saints CHS
Libby Forshaw from All Saints Catholic High School received the Outstanding Achievement (Post 16) award
From day 1 in Sixth Form at All Saints Catholic High School, Libby was focused and determined to pursue a career in Midwifery. She achieved a triple distinction in Health and Social Care, completing work placements at both Whiston Maternity Hospital and a Dementia centre. She has now secured a place at The University of Manchester, and in April, delivered her first baby!
Highly Commended: Daniel McEvoy – Riverside College
Daniel is described as “an exceptional student, consistently demonstrating a conscientious and diligent approach while maintaining high standards”. He was recently named Industry Placement Student of the Month following successful work experience with Very.
Highly Commended: Miriam Golebiewska – Carmel College
A straight A* student with 100% attendance, Miriam has demonstrated exceptional dedication, resilience, and academic excellence and now hopes to study Psychology at university.
Post 16 Merit
Winner: Frank Philips – Cronton College
Frank studies four A-levels at Cronton Sixth Form College after strong GCSE results at Lord Derby High School. Averaging A/A* across all his subjects, he also achieved a UK Bebras Computing Challenge Gold award, placing him in the top 10% nationally.
Highly Commended: Ella Price – St Helens College
Ella showed dedication and determination to achieve her dream of working in Early Years. At St Helens College she has achieved strong passes in her English and Maths GCSEs and has also completed more than 900 hours in early years settings. She now plans to Edge Hill University for a PGCE in Early Years Education.
Highly Commended: Alexandra Simpson – Knowsley College
Alex’s work placement with Premier Inn has improved her confidence, she has made friends, she has learnt skills in her job that she is using at home and is on track to be offered a permanent job with the company at the end of her internship.
Young Citizens of the Year
Winner: The Alt Bridge School Choir – Alt Bridge School
Alt Bridge School Choir were named Young Citizens of the Year
Following the death of their friend and fellow pupil Lloyd, the school choir came together with great compassion and maturity to honour his memory through music. The choir learned and performed the song written in his memory for Lloyd’s family, offering comfort, connection, and a deeply meaningful tribute in a time of loss.
Highly Commended: Mila Cheung – Halewood Academy
Mila is described as Mila is someone who spreads positivity wherever she goes, always bringing comfort, joy and support to others. She regularly supports younger year groups, where she takes the time to guide students through key skills and help them feel confident.
STEM Project of the Year
Winner: KL Goblin Race Car Club – Knowsley Lane Primary
The KL Goblin Race Car Club at Knowsley Lane Primary won STEM Project of the Year
Knowsley Lane Primary School, with the Royal Navy, is building a Greenpower Goblin Race Car led by Mr Smith and 12 KS2 pupils. In an after-school club, pupils develop engineering, teamwork and problem-solving skills, supported by the Chair of Governors. The project inspires STEM careers and will culminate in testing the car at Southport Airfield.
Highly Commended: Anais Wood – Carmel College
A former Prescot School pupil and now a Cambridge Medicine offer holder, Anais consistently performs at the highest level. Her passion for medicine is evident through extensive experience, including Alder Hey and LCR Ignite.
Sports Leader of the Year
Winner: Grace Gough – Malvern Primary School
Grace Gough from Malvern Primary School won Sports Leader of the Year
Grace is an inspiring young sports leader who shows exemplary leadership and maturity, confidence and care beyond her years, encouraging and nurturing younger pupils every step of the way.
Highly Commended: Knowsley St Helens Schools Football Association – Malvern Primary School
Knowsley St Helens Schools’ FA U12 and U13 teams have reached the National District Final for the first time since 1971. Competing against the strongest districts nationally, the players have shown outstanding respect to team mates and officials, consistently supported and encouraged one another, celebrated each other’s success and demonstrated resilience, never giving up and always believing in what they could achieve together.
Highly Commended: Ocean Morrison – Lord Derby Academy
Ocean is an exceptional Sport Leader whose dedication, enthusiasm and leadership have had a lasting impact on sport at Lord Derby Academy. She plays a key role in the school netball club, working alongside the Head of PE to support and develop younger pupils, leading the club on a weekly basis. She is a very positive role model to all.
Take a look at some more pictures from the Knowsley Education Awards 2026
You can see lots more photos from the event by taking a look at our album on Flickr.
