Ward Jackson CE Primary Named Among the Top Ten Schools in the World for Overcoming Adversity

Celebrating our global nomination

We are proud to announce that Ward Jackson CE Primary School in Hartlepool has been named among the top ten schools in the world in the Overcoming Adversity category of the World's Best School Prizes, a prestigious set of international awards run by global education organisation T4 Education.

The World's Best School Prizes celebrate schools making an outstanding difference to the lives of young people across five categories: Community Collaboration, Environmental Action, Innovation, Overcoming Adversity, and Supporting Healthy Lives. This year, just 50 schools were shortlisted from across the globe, with Ward Jackson recognised as one of only five schools from the whole of the UK to make the list.

Ward Jackson serves a community facing some disadvantages, with around 70 percent of pupils eligible for free school meals and almost half identified as having special educational needs and disabilities. Rather than letting these challenges limit what pupils could achieve, the school has built its whole culture around belonging, ambition and removing barriers to participation. This includes a free breakfast for every pupil, regular community meals that bring families, children and staff together, access to food and toy banks, and a wide range of enriching experiences, including cultural visits, residential trips and outdoor adventures, all offered free of charge to families. The school has grown into far more than a place of learning, it has become a true community hub where care, opportunity and education go hand in hand.

Reflecting on the news, DND Learning Trust CEO Paul Rickeard said:

"Congratulations to Ward Jackson CE Primary School and the whole school community on this outstanding achievement. To be named among the top ten schools in the world for Overcoming Adversity is a remarkable recognition of the dedication, compassion and skill of everyone at Ward Jackson. Across our Trust, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, whatever challenges they may face, and Ward Jackson brings this belief to life every single day. This award is a credit to the staff, families and pupils who have built something truly special in Hartlepool, and we are incredibly proud to call Ward Jackson part of the DND Learning Trust family."

Winners of the World's Best School Prizes will be announced in November, with all shortlisted schools invited to attend the World Schools Summit in London in January 2027. We will be cheering Ward Jackson on every step of the way and look forward to sharing more news as it comes.