Last week, pupils from Birches Head Academy (BHA) delivered an unforgettable performance of Matilda Jr The Musical on the 26th and 27th of March 2025, bringing Roald Dahl’s beloved tale to the stage.

Students from across the academy amazed audiences with their remarkable acting, singing, and dancing, showcasing months of hard work. Under the direction of the performing arts department, the production featured impressive choreography, captivating set designs and musical numbers that had the audience singing along.

The grand final of the Frank Field Education Trust (FFET) 500 Word Competition was held on 26th March 2025 at Cranage Estate, celebrating the incredible creativity and imagination of young writers from Ellesmere Port C of E College, Birches Head Academy, and Handforth Grange Primary School.

This exciting event highlighted the winning stories from students spanning a range of age categories, all exploring the theme of "Extraordinary."

Birches Head Academy (BHA) is pleased to share its most recent Ofsted inspection report, which took place on 28 January 2025. The school received positive feedback regarding its ongoing improvements and commitment to providing a high standard of education.

The report acknowledged the school’s dedication to addressing previous recommendations, particularly in areas such as behaviour and attendance. Inspectors found that “there has been a focus on improving the culture across the school and creating a calm, safe environment for all. Pupils and staff know that the bar has been raised… and that expectations are high.”

Pupils from Ellesmere Port C of E College, Birches Head Academy and Handforth Grange Primary School are preparing for an unforgettable educational and cultural journey to Chengdu in China. Departing on 22th March 2025, this immersive trip promises to broaden their horizons through a series of enriching cultural experiences.

The week-long itinerary is packed with opportunities for pupils to engage with Chinese culture, history, and education. Upon arrival in Chengdu, the group will visit the renowned Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Centre, offering a first-hand look at China’s iconic giant pandas and conservation efforts.

February 2025 – A talented group of young performers from Ellesmere Port took centre stage at Ellesmere Port C of E College (EPC) to rock audiences with their production of School of Rock – The Musical.  

Based on the beloved 2003 film starring Jack Black, the musical – featuring music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, lyrics by Glenn Slater, and a book by Julian Fellowes, follows the story of Dewey Finn, a failed rock musician who impersonates a supply teacher and transforms a class of elite prep school students into a high-energy rock band.

There are three age categories: Years 1 and 2, year 3 and 4, Years 5 and 6, Years 7 and 8 and Years 9 and 10. Spelling, punctuation and grammar are not marked – it’s all about creativity!

Finalists will be invited to go to a glamorous grand final at Cranage Hall where the bronze (2), silver (2) and gold (2) winners in each category will have their stories read out.

There are also prizes to be won – each winner will take home books and the gold winners also win books for their school library.

Not only that, but the winning stories will also be published in a FFET short story illustrated anthology.

Frank Field Education Trust (FFET) is working with leading education charity Teach First, to provide School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT), allowing the teachers of the future to train within the local community.

The SCITT programme is a one-year teacher-training course for people eager to learn on the job, enabling those who want to train at one of the Frank Field Education Trust schools, making a difference in the community from day one.

It is with huge sadness that we heard about Frank’s passing. 

Throughout his impressive career, Frank gave his life to improving the lives of those around him. His unwavering commitment to social justice not only defined his decades of public service, but is also the foundation stone for so many causes and organisations he was involved in.

That is why, as the founder of Frank Field Education Trust, our mentor and, above all, our friend, he had such a profound impact on our multi-academy trust and all those who are connected to our schools. Frank’s focus on ensuring that all young people have access to the same educational opportunities is at the heart of everything we do. Chris Hampshire Chair of The Frank Field Education Trust, stated that he will do all he can to ensure Frank’s vision and legacy lives on.

Birches Head Academy (BHA) has been awarded the International School Award by the British Council in recognition of its outstanding efforts to promote global education within its curriculum and school culture.

The school's commitment to international work, formation of global relationships, educational trips, student exchanges and initiatives promoting international awareness and understanding has recognised BHA in fostering cross-cultural experiences for its students.

The EPC Elves, known for spreading seasonal cheer, have once again lent their magic to support the success of this much-anticipated event by Friends of Hadlow Road Station!

Pupils from The Ellesmere Port C of E College looked fantastic and did an incredible job escorting everyone to Santa’s signal box grotto. #CommunitySupportingCommunity

The Ellesmere Port Church of England College extends a heartfelt thank the ‘Friends of Hadlow Road Station’ for their generous donation of £400 toward our Duke of Edinburgh programme.

This donation will be instrumental in providing essential equipment for our pupils' participation in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme.

Most pupils will continue their studies at EPC’s Sixth Form where they will embark on a range of A-level qualifications. Our Trust motto of ‘Aspire not to have more, but to be more’ has truly been exemplified by our pupils. 

Mrs Green, Principal at EPC said: “Following our wonderful Ofsted and SIAMS reports, I am delighted that our pupils continue to flourish and, as stated by our SIAMS Inspector, ‘pupils continue to be ignited by our powerful sense of ambition for all. 

I wish each and every student the best and it was wonderful to celebrate the success of our outstanding pupils, many of whom are coming back to continue their journey with us at Sixth Form.

BHA pupils were in high spirits this year as they collected their GCSE results. The staff and governors of Birches Head Academy are pleased and proud to report some outstanding achievements by its pupils in their GCSE and Vocational qualifications this summer. We are delighted that the majority of pupils have gained the qualifications they need to follow in their first-choice pathway.

Ms K. Dixon, Principal at BHA said: “This has been an incredibly tough two years. We all know how hard it’s been at times, but also how hard students, the school community and parents have worked together to achieve these results. We are very proud of them all and we look forward to seeing what they will achieve in the future.”

Forty students from Birches Head Academy (BHA) recently travelled to Granada to work with partner school, Escolapios Genil Granada – a project funded by the Turing Scheme. From the 40 successful applicants, 20 students were then partnered up with 20 students from our partner school in Spain, with the aim of initiating a traditional exchange.

Every week at Handforth Grange Primary School, we look to recognise many different types of success and achievements in our pupils. Well done to every one of you.

As you are aware the National Education Union (NEU) has announced both National and Regional dates for industrial action. The remaining Strike dates are scheduled below.

• • Tuesday 28th February 2023 – Ellesmere Port Church of England College and Handforth Grange Primary School

• • 1st March 2023– Birches Head Academy

• • Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th March 2023 – Birches Head Academy, Ellesmere Port Church of England College and Handforth Grange Primary School

Congratulations to student, Nazib in Year 8 who is co-winner of the Edge Transport (@edgetransport) truck livery design competition, celebrating 90 years of excellence!

Our school newsletters are full of interesting information about what’s going on in school and includes useful information and key dates for your diary.

If you require further information about any of the items shown please contact the school and we will do our best to help.

Please click here to download a copy of the BHA Learning Programme 2 Newsletter

As you are aware the National Education Union (NEU) has announced both National and Regional dates for industrial action, of which five encompass the locations of our Schools. These are detailed below.

• Wednesday 1st February 23, Wednesday 15th and Thursday 16th March 23 – Birches Head Academy, Ellesmere Port Church of England College and Handforth Grange Primary School

• Tuesday 28th February 23 – Ellesmere Port Church of England College and Handforth Grange Primary School

• Wednesday 1st March – Birches Head Academy

Thank you to everyone who came and visited Santa at Hadlow Road Station in his signal box Grotto which was held at Hadlow Road Station on 11th December 2022 with the signal box grotto looking really fantastic for Santa to welcome all the children. It was a very cold day, but the sun was shining and it was dry, so we can't complain.