Community involvement and a global perspective are some of the qualities that have helped a Nottingham Church School scoop a new national award putting it in the finals next week. 

The Nottingham Emmanuel Church of England School is one of 12 finalists in the Church School Awards and winner of the best Secondary School in the Midlands and East Anglia. Pupils and staff will be travelling to London with a chance for further recognition at the finals on Thursday 24th March, when they will be joined by the Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham, the Rt Revd Paul Butler.

The Church School Awards were launched in September 2010 and aim to promote the vital work done in the areas of community cohesion and global citizenship. The Awards are an opportunity for Christian education to show what underpins Church Schools in the UK.

106 schools were shortlisted from over 320 entrants and were then narrowed down by the judges to 12 winners.

Headteacher of Emmanuel, Carol Fearria said: “This will be an exciting week for us and we’re delighted to be regional winners. Credit for this achievement has to go to our fantastic pupils and dedicated staff who have all demonstrated what it means to be global citizens with a commitment to others. All our events and activities are underpinned by our strong Christian ethos, frequently highlighted by parents and visitors.”

The school’s entry highlighted the strong involvement and partnership of parents at events beyond parents evenings. It also demonstrated its commitment to the local community and international issues, through clubs, activities and events including a range of international trips, a project on the environment in partnership with the University of Nottingham and raising funds in response to disasters.

The Church School Awards 2011 have been initiated and developed by Emmaus Recruitment in association with The National Society, Methodist Education and the Catholic Association of Teachers, Schools and Colleges (CATSC). It is also supported by many Dioceses and Bishops as well as by HCPT The Pilgrimage Trust, CAFOD and Christian Aid. Prizes are being provided by Emmaus Recruitment, Mathletics, Redemptorist Publications and COS Group Ltd.