Cheshire Independent Issue 216

13 JULY 2026 Visit our website: www.independentnewspapers.co.uk Independent EDUCATION www.kingsmac.co.uk | 01625 260000 The King’s School in Macclesfield Charity No. 1137204 • A Top 10 School in the NorthWest for academic results • One of the UK’s Top Sports Schools • Outstanding wellbeing programme • Small classes and year groups • Unrivalled enrichment & co-curricular programme • Award-winning outdoor learning programme • Large network of school coaches BOOK ONLINE: www.kingsmac.co.uk Sixth Form Open Evening Wednesday 30 September | 6.30 pm Open Day Saturday 10 October | 9 am – 2 pm THE King’s School in Macclesfield has been commended in the Inde- pendent School of the Year 2026 Awards for ‘Regional Independent School of the Year: North’. All 13 commended schools will now proceed to the next stage of the awards, with the list of finalists published on 10 September and the winners, chosen by the judging panel, announced at an awards cer- emony on 14 October. The Independent Schools of the Year Awards are designed to give independent schools an opportunity to celebrate and showcase their extraordinary achievements. Dr Helen Wright, Chair, Independent Schools of the Year 2026, said: “The innovative and life-af- firming student experience which independent schools provide to their students is awe-inspiring and the stories told in the entries are both moving and humbling.” “The standard of entries has never been higher, so well done on the success of your school, and congratula- tions on the great work that you do. As the judging process moves into its next phase, we look forward enormously to selecting and celebrating extraordinary practice.” King’s Head, Mr Slack, explains: “Our award sub- mission centres on King’s distinctive commitment to a ‘Complete Education’, combin- ing academic excellence with the deliberate development of character, wellbeing, and life- long learning skills. Our pupils flourish because they are taught not only what to learn but how to learn, through six Learning Habits – collabo- ration, resilience, reflection, reasoning, questioning and creativity – while also being guided by the School’s val- ues of Respect, Compassion, Gratitude, Service, Courage and Leadership.” A MACCLESFIELD pri- mary school is celebrat- ing national recognition. Christ the King Catho- lic and Church of England Primary School has been named a silver winner at the Pearson National Teach- ing Awards. The ‘Award for Making a Difference – Primary School of the Year’ recognises the impact the Fir Grove school has on its pupils and the wider community. Head of school, Nicky Leigh, said: “We are incred- ibly proud to receive this sil- ver award. “It is a testament to the collective effort of staff and the strength of the school community. “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.” Mrs Leigh added: “This achievement belongs to our whole community. “We are so grateful to our parents, carers and partners who work alongside us and support everything we do.” The Pearson National Teaching Awards are among the most respected accolades in education, celebrating excellence across schools in the UK. Being named a silver winner places Christ the King Primary among the country’s leading schools for making a positive and last- ing difference. Christ the King was praised in particular for its ‘holistic approach’ to education. MACCLESFIELD College has welcomed the findings from its recent Ofsted inspection, which recognised strengths in student achievement, inclu- sion, employer engagement and safeguarding, as the college continues to deliver high-performing outcomes and ranks number one in Cheshire and Warrington for 16–19 Education andTraining. Inspectors highlighted the college’s contribution to meeting local and regional skills needs, recognising its extensive partnerships with employers and stake- holders. The report noted that employer engagement is embedded across many curriculum areas, helping students and apprentices develop highly industry-rele- vant knowledge and skills. The inspection acknowl- edges the sustained improvements made since the previous inspection, particu- larly in learner and apprentice achievement and the qual- ity of teaching experienced by learners. Inspectors also recognised the support and challenge provided by gover- nors and the college’s effective collaboration with employers, universities, charitiesandcom- munity partners to enhance opportunities for learners. School celebrated as one of the nation’s best Christ the King Catholic and Church of England Primary School has been named silver winner at the Pearson National Teaching Awards (Image: Supplied) King’s aim for awards crown Positive Ofsted report “Our submission highlights how the school’s co-educa- tional culture fosters strong relationships, personal growth and a sense of belong- ing to the King’s community, supported by exceptional pas- toral care. “Evidence of impact is pro- vided through outstanding academic results, ambitious university destinations, sig- nificant pupil-led fundraising and service, and a school-wide ethos where achievement is matched by character. Ulti- mately, King’s develops academically successful, well-rounded and socially responsible young people who are well prepared to contrib- ute positively to the world beyond school.”