'This is a great honour' - The Manchester secondary school named as the best in the country

The education magazine’s annual award ceremony, now in its 16th year, celebrates the achievements of schools and teachers from all over the country. In Manchester, Burnage Academy for Boys was awarded the prestigious title of Secondary School of the Year 2024.

The school has come along away in recent years, having been rated “requires improvement” by Ofsted back in 2016.  Karl Harrison, Headteacher at Burnage Academy for Boys said: “This is a great honour and testament to the great team of teachers, staff and students that make up Burnage Academy. Our thanks to the judges for recognising the efforts of the school.”

Tes Schools Awards judge, Dame Christine Gilbert said: “Burnage Academy is an inspiring and inclusive school where families are supported well and students thrive, love learning and achieve exceptionally well. Staff are passionate about their work and determined to ensure the boys are the best they can be. Young people leave Burnage Academy ambitious for themselves and their community, with the confidence and skills that enable them to make a real difference in life.”

The other Greater Manchester success story is Lyn Williams, who won Headteacher of the Year (State) for her work at St. Peter’s CE Primary in Farnworth, Bolton. With a 35-year career, Lyn has helped thousands of pupils. During her time at St. Peter’s, she has expanded the capacity of the school from 176 to 425. 

Judge Julie Robinson said, “Lynn Williams has accomplished so many things during her career, including winning awards with her school, chairing a cluster group of other schools, supporting  children facing disadvantage, and promoting flexible working. What she has achieved has been absolutely outstanding.”

Each nomination is assessed by an expert panel of headteachers and heads of educational institutions, who then whittle the shortlist down and then select the 23 winners of each category. There are categories for private schools, boarding schools and early years education, as well other areas like inclusivity, wellbeing, arts and technology.

The awards ceremony took place on June 21 at Grosvenor House Hotel, London. It was hosted by Taskmaster’s Alex Horne and his band the Horne Section. The full list of winners can be found on the Tes website.