Cadoxton Primary School and Cardiff Sixth Form College Recognised for Their Impact on Communities and Student Well-being
Two schools in Wales have been named finalists for the prestigious T4 Education World’s Best School Prizes, with Cadoxton Primary School in Barry shortlisted for its innovative approach to overcoming adversity and Cardiff Sixth Form College for its commitment to promoting healthy lives.
Cadoxton Primary, a state school in the coastal town of Barry, has been recognised for its efforts to combat food poverty, particularly amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. The school set up a “pay as you feel” food shop, launderette, and uniform store to assist struggling families. With 38% of its pupils eligible for free school meals, the school has become a lifeline for its community, helping more than 60 other schools in Wales establish similar initiatives through the Big Bocs Bwyd project. Janet Hayward, the school’s executive head, described the award as recognition of the hard work and dedication of the school’s staff and families in removing barriers to education and providing the best possible life experiences for their pupils.
Cardiff Sixth Form College, a private institution, has been shortlisted in the category for supporting healthy lives. The college runs a comprehensive pastoral programme aimed at fostering both mental and physical health among its academically gifted A-level students. This programme includes a points system rewarding students for activities like volunteering, encouraging personal development alongside academic excellence. Gareth Collier, the college’s principal, noted the importance of addressing the intense academic pressures students face while ensuring their well-being.
Both schools are competing for the World’s Best School Prizes, with the winners in each category receiving $50,000 USD (£40,000). These prizes, which recognise achievements in areas like community collaboration, environmental action, and innovation, are a global effort to highlight exemplary schools and their contributions to education.
Education leaders, including Vikas Pota, founder of T4 Education, praised the finalists for their vision and dedication to creating exceptional teaching and learning environments. Welsh Education Minister Jeremy Miles also expressed pride in the recognition, highlighting Cadoxton’s pivotal role in helping the Welsh Government address the impact of poverty on educational achievement.
The winners will be announced in November, with a total prize fund of $250,000 USD (£200,000) to be shared among the five winners.
