Winners crowned at prestigious Golden Apple Awards

Educational excellence was top of the agenda at the event held in Energus, in Workington, last night.

The awards recognised individuals and organisations across Cumbria for their stellar achievements. Acknowledging the power education has to transform lives, communities and the wider economy.

The awards’ headline sponsor was the University of Cumbria. Joining it as individual category sponsors were Cumbria Education Trust, Energy Coast UTC, Localiq, Lakes College West Cumbria, Furness College, BAE Systems and South Cumbria Multi Academy Trust.

Professor Rob Trimble, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) at the University of Cumbria, paid tribute to the winners and finalists, who represented a broad spectrum of not just education providers, but those whose support is crucial to their success. He said: “The annual Golden Apple Awards is always an evening of celebration, rightly shining a light on the contributions of those dedicated unsung heroes who inspire and transform the lives every day of learners across Cumbria and beyond.”

Hosted by broadcaster Mike Parr, the awards are staged by Newsquest Cumbria titles The Mail, The Cumberland News, The Whitehaven News, The Times & Star and the Westmorland Gazette. Lee Taylor-Craddock, Newsquest’s Commercial Director North West, said the company was proud to organise such a worthwhile event.

Vanessa Sims, Newsquest Cumbria’s Regional Group Editor, said the evening had been a resounding success and added: “The Golden Apple Awards are a real highlight of the calendar. The inspirational teachers and amazing students are a class act and make everyone proud to be Cumbrian.”

A souvenir Golden Apples supplement will be in The Mail on Thursday as well as in The Cumberland News, The Whitehaven News, The Times & Star and the Westmorland Gazette next week. Make sure you pick up a copy.

Golden Apple Awards 2022 Winners & Finalists:

Best Student – Sponsored by Cumbria Education Trust

Winner: Toby Wilson 

Finalists: Millie Lawler and Sophie MurfittBest Student - Toby Wilson (Image: Johnny Becker)

Best Teaching Professional – Sponsored by University of Cumbria

Winner: Sarah Graham

Finalists: John Crook and Laura ReidBest Teaching Professional - Sarah Graham (Image: Johnny Becker)

Best Support Staff – Sponsored by Energy Coast UTC

Winner: Lesley Robertson

Finalists: Energy Coast UTC and Arthur ‘Hedley ‘ SmithBest Support Staff - Lesley Robertson (Image: Johnny Becker)

Best Early Years Provider

Winner: Parkfield

Finalists: Yewkids and Roose NurseryBest Early Years Provider - Parkfield Nursery School (Image: Johnny Becker)

Best Community Initiative sponsored by Localiq

Winners: Jackie Bradley and Donna Lund For Friendships throughout the Generations

Finalists: Where Poppies Grow and David MilnerBest Community Initiative - Jackie Bradley and Donna Lund For Friendships throughout the Generations (Image: Johnny Becker)

Innovation Award

Winner: Hello Future Programme run by the University of Cumbria 

Finalists: System People and Stephanie ButrissInnovation Award - Hello Future Programme (Image: Jonny Becker)

Best Teaching Assistant Sponsored by Lakes College West Cumbria

Winner: Dana Bennett

Finalists: Gail Hammell and Stephanie ButtrissBest Teaching Assistant - Dana Bennett (Image: Johnny Becker)

Best Industry Engagement – Sponsored by Lakes College West Cumbria

Winner: Energy Coast working with Sellafield

Finalists: Furness College working with English Heritage and Teresa Mulholland (Carlisle United Community Sports Trust)Best Industry Engagement - Energy Coast working with Sellafield (Image: Johnny Becker)

Best Education Profession Newcomer – Sponsored by University of Cumbria

Winner: Sophie McCall

Finalists: Tom Spencer and Siobhan MonoghanBest Education Profession Newcomer - Sophie McCall (Image: Johnny Becker)

Best Education and Learning Leader – Sponsored by Furness College

Winner: Sarah Roscoe

Finalists: Nick Page and Chris NattrassBest Education and Learning Leader - Sarah Roscoe (Image: Johnny Becker)

People’s Choice Award – Sponsored by University of Cumbria

Winner: Arthur ‘Hedley’ Smith

Finalists: Teresa Mulholland, Sharon Hall and Diane BrownPeople's Choice Award - Arthur 'Hedley' Smith (Image: Johnny Becker)

Best Apprentice sponsored by BAE Systems

Winner: Hollie Wallbank

Finalists Kirstie Hall and Robert GaskellBest Apprentice - Hollie Wallbank (Image: Johnny Becker)

Against All odds – Sponsored by University of Cumbria

Winner: Oliver Hodgson

Finalists: Saeed Al Hamam and Spencer McGladderyAgainst All Odds Award - Oliver Hodgson (Image: Johnny Becker)

Best Inclusion Initiative – Sponsored by BAE Systems

Winner: David McCabe

Finalists: Sue Hannan and Primary EIPBest Inclusion Initiative - David McCabe (Image: Johnny Becker)

Wellbeing Award

Winner: Dot Gillespie

Finalists: Carlisle College and Laurie BlackWellbeing Award - Dot Gillespie (Image: Johnny Becker)

Best Primary School sponsored by Energy Coast UTC

Winner: St Cuthberts Catholic Primary School

Finalists: Yanwath Primary School and Pennine Way PrimaryBest Primary School - St Cuthbert's Catholic Primary School (Image: Johnny Becker)

Best Secondary School sponsored by South Cumbria Multi Academy Trust

Winner:  Whitehaven Academy

Finalists: Workington Academy and St Bees SchoolBest Secondary School - Whitehaven School (Image: Johnny Becker)

Lifetime Achievement – sponsored by University of Cumbria

Winner Jos Cole

Lifetime Achievement - Jos Cole (Image: Johnny Becker)