Catholic Schools in Widnes Celebrate Double Success at 2026 Aiming High Halton Education Awards

Now in its second year, the annual 2026 Halton Borough Council Aiming High Halton Education Awards, hosted by Cronton Sixth Form College, celebrates the very best of achievement across local education, and both Saints Peter and Paul Catholic High School and primary partner St Gerard’s Catholic Primary School in Widnes were proud to come away with top honours.

Matthew Lorne, English Teacher and Chaplain at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic High School, was named Inspirational Teacher of the Year, in recognition of his exceptional teaching and the positive impact he has on the lives of his students.

Charlotte Coffey, a Year 6 pupil at St Gerard’s Catholic Primary School, received the Inspirational Young Person of the Year award, celebrating her remarkable achievements and contribution to school life over the past year.

Mrs Danielle Scott, Principal of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic High School, said “This is a wonderful celebration of Catholic education within the Parish of St Wilfrid, and I am extremely proud and delighted that Matthew and Charlotte have been recognised. These awards highlight the depth of talent, dedication, and quality that exists across Catholic primary and secondary education in Halton, as well as the commitment of local families. Being recognised as inspirational shows how our shared Catholic values drive excellence and high attainment, while ensuring that young people are supported to thrive and achieve their full potential, both academically and personally, at every stage of their journey.”

Mr Karl Landrum, Headteacher of St Gerard’s Catholic Primary School, celebrated Charlotte’s achievement and the qualities she has shown, saying “Charlotte’s award is a testament to her remarkable strength through adversity and her resilience in the face of challenges. She truly is an inspiration to our whole school community, and we could not be prouder of her and the outstanding contribution she makes to life at St Gerard’s every day.”

Award winner Matthew said, “I am deeply honoured to receive this award, and to share this celebration with Charlotte makes it even more special. It reflects the strength of our Parish community and the shared mission we have to support young people in achieving their goals and dreams.”

Year 6 pupil Charlotte also shared her excitement at receiving her award, “I’m so, so happy to win an award, I can’t believe it, it was such a surprise. I love my school and I want to say thank you to all my friends and teachers for being there for me this year. I think I’ll put my trophy up in our living room.”

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic High School also celebrated the success of a number of shortlisted nominees across other categories, reflecting the breadth of talent within the school community.

Ethan Wang was shortlisted for Incredible Student Achievement, Benji Hidayat for Sports and Culture Student of the Year, and the school’s Expressive Arts Team for Team of the Year.