SCMAT staff reach finals of Cumbria Education Award

Inspirational members of staff at two schools in Barrow have been announced as finalists in this year’s Cumbria-wide Golden Apple Education Awards.

Sophie Broadbent from Newbarns Primary and Nursery School and Olivia Mathers from Ormsgill Nursery and Primary School have been recognised for their passion and dedication to the sector.

Year 6 teacher Sophie is shortlisted for Best Teaching Professional while apprentice Olivia is a finalist in the Best Apprentice category.

The prestigious awards, organised by Newsquest Cumbria, celebrate the work of schools, teachers, apprentices and support staff from across the region. Being named a finalist is regarded as one of the highest honours in local education.

As PE Lead for Newbarns School’s 400-plus pupils, Sophie manages the full sports curriculum, organises teams, matches and competitions – all while excelling as a Year 6 teacher.

She was nominated for the way she has transformed the school’s sporting and extracurricular life introducing new opportunities for pupils so they can find a sport they love, including netball, cricket, dance, tag rugby, tennis, hockey and chess, while also bringing in professional coaches for karate and kickboxing.

Her efforts go far beyond the classroom – from volunteering to giving up evenings, weekends and school holidays to support competitions and residentials. Her impact was also praised in the school’s recent Ofsted inspection.

She said she was surprised and honoured to be nominated.

“Every teacher in every school deserves recognition, it’s not a job it’s a vocation and we put so much into it. I think I was put forward because of my enthusiasm and the children and their parents appreciate that and my belief in sport and fun and engaging lessons.

“I was always going to be a teacher from when I was at my nana’s house and taking the registers at a young age and playing school. It gives me a chance to positively influence the younger generation teaching them to be kind and I’ve never looked back or wanted to do anything else.”

In her nomination, Deputy Headteacher Victoria Fitzgibbons paid tribute to Sophie’s exceptional dedication saying if you could create the perfect educator it would be Sophie.

“She’s passionate, enthusiastic, and completely invested in giving every child the best opportunities. She inspires pupils, colleagues and parents alike – helping children achieve more than they ever thought possible,” she said.

Meanwhile 18-year-old Olivia was nominated as a rising star helping to shape the future of education.

Initially pursuing an engineering pathway, she began volunteering at Ormsgill School, where she had once been a pupil herself. From helping maintain the school grounds in summer to assisting in classrooms, her natural gift for teaching quickly became clear.

Now completing an apprenticeship in primary education through Furness College, Olivia has shown remarkable emotional intelligence and maturity well beyond her years.

“I was shocked to be nominated to be honest, but everyone has said you deserve it and I’m really proud. I love my job and it’s nice to be recognised, especially when you love what you do.

“The environment here, the fantastic staff and kids make it so rewarding. I get to work with the children at the start of the year and see the difference and the progress they have made at the end.

“It’s especially rewarding as I came here myself and now I get to be one of the staff who can give back to the kids.”

Executive Headteacher Mick Cull said Olivia has impressed the whole school community.

“She has built strong, respectful relationships with pupils and is seen as a trusted figure by children who turn to her for support.

He said her love of STEM, particularly physics, adds another dimension to her work, from supporting the Lego Club and Young Voices, to helping with sports competitions and after-school provision.

“Olivia’s not afraid to take on challenges. She went straight into Year 6 and the children really respect her. She has professional boundaries and a maturity that many experienced educators take years to develop.”

Assistant Head Jessica Corless, who taught Olivia as a pupil in Year 6, said it had been wonderful to see how Olivia had progressed.

“She just gets stuck in, adapts brilliantly to pupils with complex needs, and has become the trusted person for children going through incredibly hard times. She truly is a rising star,” she said.

The winners will be announced at the Golden Apple Awards Ceremony for finalists across Cumbria on Thursday, 9 October 2025, at Carlisle Racecourse.

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