The awards ceremony for the East Lancashire Education Awards was held at Nelson and Colne College attended by representatives from state and independent primary and secondary schools across the whole of the region. Oakhill students and school were in the fortunate position of being selected as finalists in four of the categories.

Y10 pupil Finlay Hall reached the final in the Secondary Pupil of the Year category for his amazing work representing school in so many different sports and activities and also for his fundraising through his 100 mile bike ride for Pendleside Hospice. Our tireless Parents’ Association leader Mrs Louise Brett reached the final in the Unsung Hero award which recognises all the hours and hours she gives voluntarily to help us in school. Y8 pupil Joel Bradshaw was a finalist in the Technology and Innovation category for his remarkable scale Lego building of school, built as part of the Y8 challenge which is due to be unveiled in the presentations next week. We were also thrilled to be selected as finalists in one of the most prestigious categories of Secondary School of the Year.

Reaching the final is a huge achievement and recognises the outstanding work done by all of them, but we were delighted that Joel Bradshaw was announced as the overall winner in his category and then overwhelmed when Oakhill was declared winner in the final category of the evening meaning we are now the 2022 Secondary School of the Year for the region.

Many, many thanks to all the staff, students, parents and friends who work so hard as part of the Oakhill family and we are tremendously proud to have this recognised.