Blessed Robert Sutton Catholic Voluntary Academy could be named the best in the UK after being shortlisted for a national award.
The Burton school has made it to the finals of the Tes Schools Awards 2023, in the Secondary School of the Year category.
Now in its 15th year, the Tes Schools Awards recognise the best teachers and schools from UK state and independents, including early years settings, primary and secondary.
Laura O’Leary, Headteacher at Blessed Robert Sutton, said: ‘We are over the moon to be shortlisted for the Tes Secondary School of the Year Award. It is recognition of the immense hard work and dedication shown by our superb staff. We have been on a mission to provide an excellent education for all of our wonderful students, which we have achieved with the support of our phenomenal, dedicated staff, governors and the parents and carers of our students.’
The school recently became one of only three in the country to move from ‘Requires Improvement’ to ‘Outstanding’ under the new Ofsted framework.
Inspectors said that pupils are extremely proud to be part of this “highly ambitious school’ and that leaders have the highest expectations for pupils, who receive a “high quality” education.
The ‘Sutton Way’ was highlighted in the report, which focuses on academic excellence, spiritual development and social excellence and permeates throughout the school.
The panel of Tes awards judges include school leaders, experts and education researchers. This year, there are 20 award categories including two special awards, honouring the classroom Resource of the Year and a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Kevin Gritton, Chief Executive of the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust, congratulated everyone at Blessed Robert Sutton.
He said: “This is another fantastic achievement for Miss O’Leary and her team and they would be worthy winners of this national award. Everyone at Blessed Robert Sutton should feel incredibly proud and we wish them the best of luck.”
Jon Severs, Tes editor and chief judge of the Tes Schools Awards, said: “With these awards we honour the education community, whom we have served for over 112 years. This year has seen some incredibly high quality entries. So every teacher and school who has been named in this shortlist should be very proud – it’s a fantastic achievement.
“We are looking forward to showcasing, as we do every year, just how vital our education professionals are to every facet of this country. Teachers, leaders and support staff all play such an important role in schools: this is our chance to say thank you for all that they do.”
The winners of the Tes Schools Awards will be announced on Friday, June 23 at a gala awards night at the Grosvenor Park Hotel in London.