A church school in Hartlepool has been named among the world’s top 10 for helping children to overcome significant challenges in their lives.
Ward Jackson CE Primary is among a select number of just five UK schools to be recognised by World’s Best School Prizes, the prestigious education awards administered by the global organisation T4 Education.
The school, which operates in an Area of Significant Economic Disadvantage, has been named in the international top 10 shortlist for the Overcoming Adversity category, for schools achieving exceptional outcomes for children and communities facing challenging circumstances including poverty, complex safeguarding needs, family instability and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Part of the Durham and Newcastle Diocesan Learning Trust, Ward Jackson was recognised for transforming its educational experience and life chances in one of the most disadvantaged school contexts in England, through an approach built around belonging, opportunity and removing barriers to participation.
Headteacher Amy Sparkes said a strong culture has been developed at the school, which is a nurturing and inclusive community where every child is welcomed, valued and supported, regardless of their socio-economic background, cultural heritage, or neurodiverse and wellbeing needs.
She added: “To be named among the top 10 schools in the world for overcoming adversity is an extraordinary moment for our whole school community and one we are immensely proud to celebrate. This recognition reflects something we have believed for a long time — that children’s starting points should never determine their destination. What led us here was a decision not to lower expectations in the face of challenge, but to widen opportunity. We have worked relentlessly to create a school where every child experiences belonging, ambitious experiences, rich opportunities and the support they need to thrive, regardless of financial background, additional needs or difficult life experiences. This recognition belongs to our staff, families and wider partners, but above all to our children, whose resilience, joy and determination continue to show us every day what is possible when adversity does not reduce opportunity.”
The Rt Revd Rick Simpson, Bishop of Durham, said: “I applaud Ward Jackson CE Primary for this exceptional achievement, due to the tireless commitment of everyone involved to the children and their families. Many pupils face challenges which can put them at a significant disadvantage when it comes to learning, welfare and development. However, steeped in Christian values, the whole culture of Ward Jackson has evolved to enable each child to thrive and reach their educational potential. There is an exciting and varied curriculum, which includes horizon-broadening visits and other additional activities, while the school ensures pupils and their families are provided with nourishing food and other vital support.”
Jonathan Brash, MP for Hartlepool, said: “This is a truly remarkable achievement and everyone associated with Ward Jackson School should be immensely proud.
“At a time when the Government is rightly focused on breaking down barriers to opportunity, Ward Jackson stands as a national example of what can be achieved when schools combine high expectations with genuine care and inclusion. The school has been refining this model for years and the results speak for themselves.
“I want to pay tribute to the outstanding leadership team, teachers, support staff, governors, parents and, above all, the pupils themselves. They have created something genuinely special in Hartlepool.”
Vikas Pota, Founder of T4 Education and the World’s Best School Prizes, said: “Congratulations to Ward Jackson Primary on being shortlisted for the fifth annual World’s Best School Prizes. It has shown that Hartlepool’s schools truly stand among the best in the world.”
Around 70 percent of pupils at Ward Jackson are eligible for free school meals and about half of pupils are identified as having SEND. In response, the school rebuilt its offer around a simple principle – that children should not miss out because life has been difficult.
The school’s model includes a free breakfast for all pupils, regular community meals bringing together children, families and staff, access to food and toy banks, and practical family support, while there is no charge to families for additional activities, which include cultural visits, residential experiences, outdoor adventure and community participation.
Steeped in its Christian vision, the Ward Jackson Way, the school has become a community hub where education, care and opportunity are intentionally woven together.
Ward Jackson is among 50 schools globally and five UK schools to have been shortlisted for World’s Best School Prizes this year, in five different categories – Community Collaboration, Environmental Action, Innovation, Overcoming Adversity, and Supporting Healthy Lives.
The winners will be announced in November. All winners and shortlisted schools will be invited to attend the World Schools Summit in London, in January 2027.
In addition, all 50 shortlisted schools across the five categories will also take part in a public vote, which opened today, to determine the winner of the Community Choice Award. Click here to take part in the public vote. Click here to take part in the vote
Photos: Unscripted Photography
Pupils are thriving at Ward Jackson CE Primary School, where they enjoy a varied curriculum. Main image: Pupils are pictured with a SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) practitioner.