Bright Futures celebrates talent, values and dedication

Children, young people and colleagues from across Bright Futures came together for a truly inspiring day of celebration at the Trust’s third Performing Arts Festival, second Pupil Values Awards and inaugural Colleague Values Awards.

The event showcased the extraordinary talents of pupils, recognised those who exemplify Trust values of Leadership, Integrity, Passion, Community, Equality and Resilience, and celebrated the dedication and impact of colleagues who make a difference every day.

The occasion also provided an opportunity to reflect on another successful academic year for Bright Futures, celebrating the many achievements, accomplishments and accolades earned by pupils, colleagues and schools across the Trust.

Melland High School opened the festival with an innovative assistive music technology showcase, demonstrating how creativity and technology can break down barriers in the performing arts.

Acre Hall Primary School choir delighted the audience with two beautifully performed songs ‘Baiskeli’ and ‘Get Loud’, showcasing their enthusiasm, confidence and love of singing.

Cedar Mount Academy brought ‘Oliver!’ to life through a vibrant performance featuring singing, dancing and acting, while Stanley Grove Primary Academy impressed with an uplifting performance of ‘How Far I’ll Go’ from Moana alongside a powerful acapella piece.

Altrincham Grammar School for Girls’ Year 10 band, Nine Forty, showcased exceptional musical talent and creativity through two polished performances, while Rushbrook Primary Academy highlighted the power of storytelling with a narrative performance of ‘The Robber’.

Elmridge Primary School entertained the audience with their imaginative and humorous ‘Elmridge Breaking News’ performance, and Lime Tree Primary Academy choir brought theatrical flair and energy to the stage with ‘It’s Oh So Quiet’.

Having travelled from Blackpool to join the celebrations, Marton Primary Academy impressed with a vibrant dance performance, while Barton Clough Primary School choir concluded the festival with an uplifting rendition of Katy Perry’s ‘Firework’.

The event then turned to the Pupil Values Awards, celebrating children and young people who embody Trust values and make a positive difference within their schools and communities.

Huge congratulations to all award winners and highly commended nominees:

Pupil Values Awards

Leadership Award

• Winner: Harriet (Marton Primary Academy)
• Highly Commended: Mayar (Cedar Mount Academy)

Integrity Award

• Winner: Isabella (Marton Primary Academy)
• Highly Commended: Georgia (Altrincham Grammar School for Girls)

Passion Award

• Winner: Olivia (Melland High School)
• Highly Commended: Arlo (Acre Hall Primary School)

Equality Award

• Winner: Mutjaba (The Orchards)
• Highly Commended: Bilal (Rushbrook Primary Academy)

Resilience Award

• Joint Winners: Avi (Elmridge Primary School) and Mia (Rushbrook Hive)
• Highly Commended: Seeta (Lime Tree Primary Academy)

Community Award

• Winner: Frankie (Barton Clough Primary School)
• Highly Commended: Maisa (Stanley Grove Primary Academy)

This year also saw the introduction of the Trust’s inaugural Colleague Awards, recognising staff members who go above and beyond in supporting children, young people, families and colleagues across Bright Futures.

Colleague Values Awards

Leadership Award

• Winner: Mrs Kenny (Lime Tree Primary Academy)
• Highly Commended: Ms Handley (Cedar Mount Academy)

Integrity Award

• Winner: Mrs Windram (Lime Tree Primary Academy)
• Highly Commended: Mrs Ahmed (Barton Clough Primary School)

Passion Award

• Winner: Mr Sigley (Central Team)
• Highly Commended: Mr Roberts (Melland High School)

Equality Award

• Winner: Ms Duthoit (Cedar Mount Academy)
• Highly Commended: Mr McNorton (Rushbrook Primary Academy)

Resilience Award

• Joint Winners: Mrs M Ahmed (Barton Clough Primary School) and Miss Walker (Marton Primary Academy)

Community Award

• Winner: Ms Rawlins (Cedar Mount Academy)
• Highly Commended: Mrs Phoenix (Barton Clough Primary School) and Mrs MacAulay (Altrincham Grammar School for Girls)

The event also celebrated the remarkable commitment of colleagues across the Trust. With more than 100 colleagues having dedicated over 15 years of service, special recognition was given to three exceptional members of staff from Melland High School who have each devoted more than 40 years of service.

Long Service Awards

• Mrs Cinan
• Ms Clilverd
• Ms Brocklehurst

A special presentation was also made to members of the Bright Futures Youth Board in recognition of their commitment, leadership and contribution to school and Trust life. Each member received a commemorative medal to acknowledge the important role they play in representing the voices of young people across the Trust.

It was an incredible day filled with music, creativity, recognition and inspiration. From outstanding pupil performances and award winners to dedicated colleagues, long-serving staff and Youth Board representatives, the event was a powerful celebration of the talent, commitment and values that make Bright Futures such a special community.