A sports teacher who had worked in schools across the district until his death last year was one of the teachers and education leaders honoured at the Telegraph & Argus Bradford and District Schools Awards.

Barry Holden collapsed after suffering a heart attack while organising a Tour de France sports day at Southfield Special School in July, bringing a sad end to a 30-year career that saw him inspire generations of Bradford’s youngsters.

Last night, at the second Schools Awards ceremony, held at the Aagrah Midpoint, Mr Holden was posthumously named winner of the Achievement Award.

He was one of 12 winners on the evening, arranged in association with Bradford Council and the University of Bradford, which saw representatives from the district’s primary and secondary schools, higher education facilities and local businesses come together to celebrate educational achievements.

COMMENT: AWARDS SHOW OFF SCHOOLS’ HARD WORK

The evening was presented by Telegraph & Argus editor Perry Austin-Clarke and former Calendar TV presenter Kate Walby. There were speeches from Councillor Ralph Berry, executive for children’s services on Bradford Council, and David Chabeaux, an award-winning singer, business leader and motivational speaker.

Mr Austin-Clarke said: “We all know there is much work still to do to raise levels of achievement in Bradford’s schools. But it’s not for the want of trying – and that’s the point of these awards.”

GALLERY: SEE ALL THE PICTURES FROM THE SCHOOLS AWARDS 2015

Mr Holden, a former captain of Dudley Hill RLFC, also taught at Grange Technology College, Haycliffe School and Beechcliffe School.

Ben McGregor, head of PE at Bingley Grammar School, won in the Secondary Teacher of the Year category. Last February he visited their partner school in Kenya, Jamhuri High, to set up further links with the schools.

Elizabeth Robertson, from Fearnville Primary School, won the Nursery/Primary Teacher of the Year Award after being nominated by colleagues for her “outstanding work ethic”.

The School Improvement Award went to St Philip’s C of E Primary, which fell into special measures in the 2012/13 school year but has since seen a rapid turnaround.

Talib Hussain, a teacher at Oasis Academy, Lister Park, took home the Newcomer of the Year award. He had “blown away” staff, pupils and parents from day one.

Paul Plant, site manager at Haworth Primary School, was named Supporting Staff Member of the Year for the “time, energy and enthusiasm” he brings to the role.

READ MORE ON THE BRADFORD & DISTRICT SCHOOLS AWARDS 2015

Chris Currie, head of Dixons Allerton Primary Academy, won the leadership award. Parents described him as a “magnificent leader.”

The Voluntary Contribution Award was won by Vicki Street from Chellow Heights School, described as an “outstanding ambassador” for the school.

James Routh of Westbourne Primary School came top in the Innovation category for his work with the school’s numerous pupils who speak English as a second language.

Tong High School won the Business in Schools Award, while Bowling Park Primary School’s initiative, that saw samples of Moon rocks and a piece of Mars brought to the classroom, won it the Science and Technology Award.

Sarah Lawson, from Immanuel College, won the Community Involvement Award. A Salvation Army youth worker, Sarah set up and runs the Sanctuary, which offers students a place where they can get away from the pressures of school life. Sarah said: “I’m blown away by winning this. I didn’t think I’d win.”

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AWARD
WINNER Bowling Park Primary for moonrocks project
Highly commended: Judith Carnelly, Shirley Manor Primary SChool
Highly commended: Oakbank School, Keighley, for Lego Robot competition success

SECONDARY TEACHER
WINNER: Ben McGregor – Head of PE faculty, Bingley Grammar School
Highly commended: Helen Hawkridge and Nicola Chantry, Immanuel College
Highly commended: Miss Heath, Dixons City Academy

NURSERY PRIMARY TEACHER
WINNER: Elizabeth Robertson from Fearnville primary
Highly commended: Sarah Clark, Cavendish Primary
Highly commended: Mrs Caroline Bolton – Thackley Primary

SUPPORT STAFF
WINNER: Paul Plant – Haworth Primary School
Highly commended: Sue Barraclough & Darren Riley – Immanuel College
Highly commended: Nigel Bridge & Kath Fitzgerald – Bingley Grammar School

VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION
WINNER: Vicki Street, Chellow Heights School
Highly commended: Chris Calverley, Carlton Bolling
Highly commended: Midah Glass, Clayton Village Primary

LEADERSHIP
WINNER:Chris Currie – Dixons Allerton primary Academy
Highly commended: Sharon Lambert- Allerton Primary
Highly commended: Stuart Herrington – Bowling Park Primary

INNOVATION
WINNER: James Routh, Westbourne Primary School
Highly Commended: Oasis Academy
Highly commended: Peel Park Primary, Ryan Toulson and Sam Loker

ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
WINNER: Barry Holden, Southfield School, Bradford
Highly commended: Tong High School
Highly commended: Westminster C of E Primary

BUSINESS IN SCHOOLS
WINNER: Tong High School
Highly commended: Local Leader magazine, James Slater and Megan Carson
Highly commended: Oasis Academy/Santander

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
WINNER: Sarah Lawson, Immanuel College
Highly commended: Rabina Sabir, St Joseph’s School
Highly commended: Tong High and Carrwood Primary partnership

NEWCOMER
WINNER Talib Hussain, Oasis Academy
Highly commended: Miss Bretton, Dixons Allerton Academy
Highly commended: Emma Robinson, Peel Park Primary

SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT
WINNER: St Phillip’s C of E Academy
Highly commended: Lowerfields Primary
Highly commended: Ryecroft Academy