The spotlight shone brightly on excellence as the Golden Apple Awards 2025 celebrated the very best of Cumbria’s education sector. Held on Thursday 9th October at Carlisle Racecourse, the prestigious ceremony honoured the outstanding individuals, teams and institutions shaping the future of education across the region.The awards recognise talent, resilience and innovation across all areas of education – from passionate teachers and dedicated support staff to inspiring schools and groundbreaking engagement projects.
This year, CET was proudly represented across multiple categories, with several winners taking home top honours, including taking home both Best Primary School and Best Secondary School titles.
Winners
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Longtown Primary School – Best Primary School
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William Howard School – Best Secondary School
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Andy Smith (The Whitehaven Academy) – Best Support Staff
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Carla Taylor (Petteril Bank School) – Best Early Years Provider
Finalists
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Aimee Carr (The Whitehaven Academy) – Best Apprentice/Graduate
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Pip Kingston (The Queen Katherine School) – Best Industry Engagement
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Yanwath Primary School – Best Primary School
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The Whitehaven Academy – Best Secondary School
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Karl Mallinson (William Howard School) – Best Support Staff
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Laura Dandy (Workington Academy) – Best Teaching Professional
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Hensingham Primary School – Best Specialist Provider
This exceptional success highlights the strength, quality and dedication across CET’s family of schools. Congratulations to all winners and nominees, whose achievements embody the shared mission to deliver excellence in education every day.