Final call out for entries to this year’s ‘Best Kept School’ Awards

The Northern Ireland Amenity Council (NIAC) are calling on all schools in Larne, Carrick, Newtownabbey and the wider County Antrim to get their Best Kept Award submissions in before the March 13 closing date.
By Elinor Glynn
Published 11th Mar 2020, 10:45 BST
Last year the Best Kept Post Primary Best Kept School was awarded to Ballyclare High School.Photo by Aaron McCrackenLast year the Best Kept Post Primary Best Kept School was awarded to Ballyclare High School.Photo by Aaron McCracken
Last year the Best Kept Post Primary Best Kept School was awarded to Ballyclare High School.Photo by Aaron McCracken

The Best Kept School Awards, held in June, is part of the wider Northern Ireland Best Kept Awards initiative, now in its 63rd year, with the Best Kept Healthcare Awards taking place in September and the Best Kept Towns and Villages announced in October.

Last year over 120 schools entered the Awards which include Pre-Primary, Primary and Post Primary School categories, across all of Northern Ireland’s Education Board regions.

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The Best Kept Pre-Primary School winner for the North Eastern School’s Region was Steeple Nursery School in Antrim and the Post Primary Best Kept School was awarded to Ballyclare High School.

Doreen Muskett, NIAC President said: “We’re calling for teachers across Antrim, to get their award submissions in as soon as they can.

“Our judges are looking for schools where pupils and teachers have played a part in keeping it clean, tidy and litter free. Where outdoor spaces have been enhanced and biodiversity and sustainability initiatives have been introduced to create safer, healthier and more sustainable places for pupils to work and play.”

This year marks the fourth year of Belfast City Airport’s partnership with the Best Kept Awards.

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Stephen Patton, George Best Belfast City Airport, said: “Education and environment are two core pillars within Belfast City Airport’s Community Commitment Plan which is why it is wonderful to be partnering yet again with the Best Kept Awards in its search to find a school which combines both to make positive changes in their schools and wider communities.

“In the past three years, we have witnessed first-hand the phenomenal dedication that teachers and pupils across Northern Ireland have for bettering their school environments, and we can’t wait to see the calibre of entries coming in for this year’s awards.”

The closing date for the Best Kept School Awards is tomorrow, March 13. The Best Kept Town, Village and Housing Area Awards close on April 17 and the Healthcare Facility Awards are open until May 15.

The esteemed Best Kept judges are looking for schools, healthcare facilities, housing areas, towns and villages across Northern Ireland, that are taking action to protect and care for their local environment, creating safer, cleaner, healthier and more sustainable places to live, work and play. For more information on how to enter visit www.bestkeptawardsni.com

Related topics:LarneCarrickNewtownabbey