Burnley High School wins prestigious accolade at The Educate Awards
A Burnley school has been honoured at the largest education awards in the North West.
Burnley High School fought off stiff competition to be crowned winners of the inaugural Lord Frank Field Community Partnership Award at the annual Educate Awards in a gala dinner at Liverpool Cathedral.
The school’s award recognises educational establishments that have formed exceptional partnerships within their local and wider communities.
Through its initiative, ‘The BHS Foundation’, Burnley High School has created meaningful collaborations with local businesses, charities and organisations, including Ashmeade residential home, Pendleside Hospice and Burnley Football Club. Students, staff, and parents have collaborated on a range of community-driven projects to deliver positive outcomes.These projects range from inter-generational workshops and community food drives to environmental campaigns and charitable work. The school is dedicated to building strong partnerships that enrich its students and the wider community.
Now in its 14th year, the Educate Awards features 21 diverse categories and shines a spotlight on all aspects of education from sports and arts to literacy and the environment. The shortlist recognises inspiring teachers, dedicated support staff and strategic leadership teams who continue to make a meaningful difference in their communities.
Judges praised the school for its ‘whole-community approach’, where kindness, dignity and relational practice underpin everything - from classroom interactions to external partnerships.
Headteacher Emma Lewis said the award captures the heart of the school’s vision, adding: “This award means so much to us because it reflects who we are as a school. Burnley High School is a place built on belonging, care and community. We believe that education doesn’t stop at the school gates - it lives in the relationships we build, the partnerships we sustain, and the ways we support our families and local organisations.
“Our staff go above and beyond every single day, and our students bring such pride, humour, and heart to every project. To have our community partnership work recognised at a regional level is a huge honour and a testament to everyone involved.”
Mrs Lewis added that the award also highlights the contribution of the families and organisations who collaborate closely with the school.
Burnley High School has no intention of slowing down and staff say the award has only strengthened their drive to expand the BHS Foundation.