Cheshire East schools celebrated for excellence in prestigious Teaching Awards  

2 July 2026

Two Cheshire East schools are celebrating national recognition after being honoured for their outstanding impact on education. 

These local schools are among 99 exceptional teachers, leaders, support staff and education settings across the country to be named Silver Winners in this year’s Pearson National Teaching Awards – a testament to their dedication, passion and positive impact on pupils. 

Christ the King Catholic and CofE Primary School in Macclesfield has been recognised in the Making a Difference – Primary School of the Year category, highlighting its commitment to nurturing and inspiring young learners. 

The school is recognised for taking a well-rounded approach to education. It gives the same importance to personal development, wellbeing, and character as it does to academic results, understanding that success is about more than just exams. Christ the King stands out for its strong sense of community. Close relationships with families and the wider community provide a support network that reaches far beyond the school itself. 

Nicky Leigh, Head of School at Christ the King Catholic and Church of England Primary School said: “We are incredibly proud to receive this Silver Award. It recognises the hard work, commitment and care shown by every member of our school team, who strive every day to give our children the very best start in life. Christ the King school serves a community facing notable socio-economic challenges yet continues to deliver strong outcomes for pupils while nurturing a caring, inclusive environment. This achievement belongs to our whole community, we are so, grateful to our parents, carers, partners and Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Academy Trust who work alongside us and support everything we do.” 

Ellen Walton, Heateacher at Sandbach High School and Sixth Form College, has also been recognised in the Secondary Headteacher of the Year category for her leadership and contribution to the school community.  

Under Ellen’s leadership and support, students come to school regularly, with attendance averaging 95.5 per cent each year. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds are making as much progress as, or even more than, their peers. This year, her work has been recognised by the Schools, Students and Teachers Network (SSAT), as the school ranked in the top 10 per cent of non-selective schools in the country for student results in the 2025 exams. 

Ellen Walton said: "This has been a huge shock and a deep honour. There are so many people in education doing so much brilliant work to help the young people in their care.  My fellow Headteachers and I are dedicated to the betterment of students. I am so grateful to the staff and students who have nominated me and spoken with such kindness and generosity about me. The honest truth is that being Headteacher at Sandbach High School and Sixth Form college is the greatest honour and gift and so this award is very much the cherry on top!" 

The Pearson National Teaching Awards, run by the Teaching Awards Trust, celebrate over 25 years of recognising excellence in education. The awards shine a spotlight on the vital role teachers, leaders and support staff play in shaping futures and inspiring young people every day. 

Both winners will now go forward for the chance to receive a prestigious Gold Award, with the national winners set to be announced at a high-profile ceremony in London and featured on BBC One’s The One Show later this year. 

Councillor Emma Gilman, cabinet member for education and SEND at Cheshire East Council, said: "There is truly exceptional work taking place across all our Cheshire East schools every day. This announcement is fantastic news for the borough and a proud moment for our education community. 

"These awards recognise not only outstanding leadership and teaching, but the dedication and care shown to pupils every single day. Christ the King Primary School and Ellen Walton from Sandbach High School and Sixth Form College have made a real difference to the lives of young people, and this national recognition is richly deserved. We wish them every success in the next stage of the awards.”