On Tuesday 13th October, students, families and staff from across the borough gathered at Saints RFC for the 2026 St Helens Secondary Schools’ All Stars Awards, a prestigious event celebrating young people whose achievements, character and contributions make a real difference to their schools and communities.
Cowley was incredibly proud to have three students recognised among the finalists. Declan and Taylor were nominated for the Young Carer of the Year Award, while Noah was shortlisted for Outstanding Contribution to the St Helens Community.
We are delighted to share that Noah was named the winner of the Outstanding Contribution to the St Helens Community Award. His commitment to supporting others and making a positive impact beyond school is truly inspiring, and this recognition is thoroughly deserved. Declan and Taylor were highly commended and they received a signed rugby ball and scarf from Saints.
The evening was a wonderful celebration of young people from across St Helens, with each nomination highlighting stories of determination, kindness, leadership and perseverance. It was particularly special to see our students celebrated alongside their proud families, who have supported them throughout their journeys.
Guests were also inspired by an uplifting address from guest speaker Abi Ekoku, who encouraged students to embrace opportunities, remain true to themselves and make the most of every moment.
Adding to the occasion was a fantastic choir made up of students from secondary schools across the borough, who delivered moving performances of For Good and This Is Me. Their talent and enthusiasm helped create a memorable atmosphere and showcased the strength of collaboration between St Helens schools. Special thanks must go to Miss Fagan from Outwood Academy for her dedication in leading and directing the choir.
Speaking about the awards, Phil Abram, Chair of ASH, said:
“These incredible young people remind us of the boundless potential, resilience, and heart within our community; celebrating their achievements today is an investment in a brighter, more inspired tomorrow for St Helens.”
Everyone at Cowley would like to congratulate Declan, Taylor and Noah on their nominations and achievements. We are immensely proud of the way they represent our school and the positive example they set for others. Their success reflects the values, determination and community spirit that we strive to foster every day at Cowley.
Students from Cowley International College had a special opportunity to share their experiences of China when the British Ambassador to China, Peter Wilson, visited the school on 23rd September.
The Ambassador met students and teachers who travelled to Shanghai in July as part of the Mandarin Excellence Programme (MEP) Intensive Learning Course to China.
Fourteen Cowley students, accompanied by three teachers, spent 10 days at Shanghai International Studies University, where they took part in intensive Mandarin lessons, worked with Chinese students, and experienced a wide range of Chinese cultural activities and excursions. The trip provided an opportunity to put the students Mandarin skills into practice in a real-life Chinese environment and to experience the country and its culture first-hand.
The students had the chance to talk to the Ambassador about their time in Shanghai, including their experiences of studying at a Chinese university, meeting Chinese peers and exploring the city.
Cowley International College has been part of the Mandarin Excellence Programme since 2017. The Programme, funded by the Department for Education and delivered by UCL Institute of Education in partnership with the British Council, began in 2016 with the aim of increasing the number of UK students studying Mandarin Chinese, with an original target of producing at least 5,000 new UK speakers of Mandarin with a high level of fluency. Since the programme began, approximately 20,000 students have benefited.
The July trip was an important part of the students’ Mandarin learning journey, giving them the opportunity to use the language they have been developing at Cowley while building friendships, improving Mandarin fluency, and gaining a greater understanding of life in China.
Russell Cormack, Principal at Cowley International College, said “The Mandarin Excellence Programme has provided Cowley students with exceptional opportunities that few young people get the chance to experience. From visiting China and immersing themselves in its rich culture and learning another language, to meeting the British Ambassador to China. These opportunities reflect everything we do at Cowley by helping our young people grow in confidence, expand their ambitions and develop a truly global outlook.”
Missed Our Open Evening? We’ve got you covered!
We were delighted to welcome so many Y6 students and their families to our recent Open Evening and showcase everything our school has to offer. From meeting our passionate staff and students to exploring our fantastic facilities, it was a wonderful opportunity to experience life at Cowley.
However, we understand that not everyone was able to attend – and some families may wish to take a second look before making this important decision. That’s why we’re offering an additional date where Y6 and their family can take a look around our school and hear a presentation about everything we have to offer. SENCo will also be on hand to answer any questions you have
Monday 28th September
5:00pm
Cowley International College
Booking is required. Please use the link below to reserve your spot:Cowley International College Celebrates GCSE Success
Students at Cowley International College are celebrating another year of GCSE success, with many achieving excellent results and taking the next step towards their future ambitions.
Among this year’s outstanding individual achievements are:
- Georgia Houghton who achieved 6 Grade 9s, 1 Grade 8, 1 Grade 7 and 1 Grade 6
- Lyra Jennings, who secured 1 Grade 9, 6 Grade 8s and 1 Grade 7 and 1 Grade 6
- Jadesola Olumuyiwa, who attained 1 Grade 9, 5 Grade 8s and 1 Grade 7 and 1 Grade 6
- Rosie Sewell, who earned 1 Grade 9, 3 Grade 8s, 4 Grade 7s and a Distinction *
- Oliver Ballard, who collected 1 Grade 9, 3 Grade 8s, and 5 Grade 7s
Across the year group, a significant proportion of students achieved or exceeded their target grades, reflecting their hard work, determination and resilience. Many students will now continue their educational journey at Cowley Sixth Form College, studying a wide range of A Level and vocational courses, including Mathematics, Law, Physics, Criminology and English.
The college is also proud to report continued improvement in student outcomes, with this year’s results building on recent successes and exceeding those achieved in 2025.
Principal, Russell Cormack, praised the achievements of the Class of 2026 and recognised the dedication shown throughout their studies: “Today is a day of celebration for our students, their families and our staff. These results represent much more than exam grades. They are the culmination of years of commitment, perseverance and determination.
“Every success story reflects the hard work our students have put into their learning, the support and encouragement provided by parents and carers, and the unwavering dedication of our teachers and support staff.
“I am incredibly proud of each and every student. Whether they have achieved exceptional grades, overcome personal challenges, or made significant progress in their studies, they should all take great pride in what they have accomplished.
“As they move on to the next stage of their education, training or employment, I encourage them to embrace every opportunity with confidence and ambition. We look forward to seeing many of them continue their journey with us at Cowley Sixth Form College.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026 and very best wishes for the exciting future that lies ahead.”
You’re Invited: High School Open Evening – Thursday 17th September 2026
We are excited to welcome prospective students and their families to our Open Evening on Thursday 17th September 2026, from 3:30 – 6:30pm
This is a fantastic opportunity to:
-
Explore our school’s facilities and classrooms
-
Meet our dedicated teaching staff and current students
-
Learn more about our curriculum, enrichment support services
-
Experience the vibrant atmosphere that makes our school community so special
Whether you’re considering joining us in Year 7 or looking for a fresh start in another year group, our Open Evening offers the perfect chance to see what we’re all about. We look forward to seeing you there and sharing what makes our school a place where every student can thrive.
No booking required – just come along!
On Friday 3rd July, a group of Year 9 students from Cowley set off on an unforgettable 11-day educational visit to China as part of the Mandarin Excellence Programme (MEP), having spent the last three years studying Mandarin Chinese.
Upon arriving in Shanghai, students participated in a special opening ceremony, where one of our students proudly took to the stage to deliver a speech. The event provided an opportunity to meet local Chinese students, as well as fellow learners from schools across the UK who are also part of the Mandarin Excellence Programme.
The students enjoyed a packed itinerary throughout their stay. Each morning was dedicated to intensive Mandarin study, with students spending around four hours developing their language skills through lessons at the host school.
Afternoons offered a wealth of cultural experiences designed to bring classroom learning to life. Students explored local markets, visited places of interest and immersed themselves in everyday Chinese life, putting their newly acquired language skills into practice with native speakers.
The visit also included some of Shanghai’s most iconic attractions. Highlights included a cruise along the Huangpu River, a visit to the beautiful Yu Garden, seeing the giant pandas at Shanghai Zoo and taking in spectacular views from the Shanghai Tower, home to one of the world’s highest observation decks.
As the programme drew to a close, students attended a final celebration and graduation ceremony hosted by the school. Reflecting on the experience, Vice President of SISU, captured the spirit of the visit in their keynote address:
“Everything comes to an end, but good memories last forever.”
It was a fitting conclusion to an incredible journey filled with learning, friendship and cultural discovery.
Miss Min, Teacher of Mandarin Chinese at Cowley, said: “The Year 9 Mandarin trip to Shanghai is a fantastic opportunity for our students who have worked very hard on learning Mandarin Chinese over the last three years.
“I am so pleased to see the students’ confidence grow as they practise their Mandarin in real-life situations. It has been wonderful to watch them enjoy the sightseeing, immerse themselves in Chinese culture, and build strong relationships with one another throughout the trip..”
Mr Cormack, Principal at Cowley, added: “This programme has been an incredible experience for our Year 9 students. They have returned with greater confidence, lasting friendships and memories that will stay with them for years to come. The success of this visit highlights the value of the Mandarin Excellence Programme and reinforces our commitment to providing exceptional opportunities and language development for our young people. We are immensely proud to be the only school in the local area taking part in this prestigious programme.”
Cowley has been a member of the Mandarin Excellence Programme since 2017 and remains the only school in the local area to be part of this prestigious national initiative, providing students with exceptional opportunities to develop advanced language skills and experience Chinese culture first-hand.
Two Cowley Sixth Form College Medical Science students have been honoured with Special Recognition Awards for their exceptional volunteering work with the NHS.
The students volunteer with the hospital’s Meet and Greet Service, providing a friendly welcome to patients and visitors and helping people navigate the hospital. Their role is vital in ensuring that patients and their families feel supported from the moment they arrive.
Their commitment was celebrated at a special NHS Volunteer Awards Ceremony attended by staff and volunteers from across the Trust. The event brought together hundreds of people, with approximately 100 tables of guests in attendance, recognising those who make an outstanding contribution to healthcare services through volunteering.
Making the achievement even more impressive, the students were the youngest volunteers invited to the awards ceremony, where they received special recognition for their dedication and service to the community.
Volunteering alongside the demands of their studies demonstrates remarkable commitment, compassion and professionalism. Their efforts not only support local healthcare services but also embody the values that are central to a career in health and social care.
We are so proud of you both. This is what Cowley Sixth Form College students are all about: ambition, kindness and making a real difference in our community.
Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition and thank you for making such a positive impact on the lives of others.
We recently ran a competition inviting students to design an eco-themed poster for inclusion in the 2026–27 student planner. We were delighted with the number of entries received, showcasing the creativity and environmental awareness of our students.
The standard was incredibly high, and it was clear that our students have a real talent for combining powerful messages with creative design.
Here are a selection of the fantastic submissions.
Cold water shock
Cold water shock can have a dramatic effect on your body, such as causing you to breathe in water, make your muscles weaken, and can even cause your heart to go into abnormal rhythms, ultimately resulting in death.
Anything below 15°C is defined as cold water. Average UK and Ireland sea temperatures are just 12°C.
If you find yourself in trouble in the water
If you find yourself in trouble in the water, float to live. Do not panic, float on your back until the effects of cold water shock pass. When the cold water shock has passed, swim to the edge or call for help.
If someone else is in trouble in the water
If someone else falls into the water, call 999 straight away and ask to speak to the fire service and ambulance.
Never enter the water to try and save someone, even if you are a strong swimmer. Shout to the person in the water ‘swim to me;’ The water can be disorientating, and this can give them a focus. Depending on where you are there might be lifebelts or throw bags – use them. If they are attached to a rope, make sure you have secured or are holding the end of the rope so you can pull them in.
Enjoying the water safely
Spending time in the water
If you are thinking of entering the water, consider your exit point, and any emergency exits, before you get in.
Do not jump into open water as this can cause potentially fatal cold water shock, even on the warmest day. Think twice before swimming in open water such as rivers or lakes. You have no idea what’s beneath the surface, there could be unseen currents and reeds, which could pull you under.
Do a risk assessment on the water for the dangers present, it pays to know any dangers before you go swimming. Always consider your exit point, and any emergency exits, before you get in the water. Make sure you feel fit and well before swimming.
Spending time near the water
When running or walking next to the water, stay clear of the edges. Riverbanks and cliff edges may be unstable and give way – particularly after bad weather. Look out for trip or slip hazards – pay attention to your footing and avoid walking or running next to water if levels are high.
If you are walking the dog and they end up in the water, do not go in after them.
Useful resources
- Further water safety advice is available on the Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) Water Safety Advice website page;
- Read more about cold water shock on the RNLI Cold Water Shock – Water Safety Tips website page;
- Further information on winter water safety is available on the RLSS Winter Water Safety website page;
- Watch this RNLI: Float to Live video so you’re prepared if you unexpectedly find yourself in water;
- Stay safe on the beach with this RNLI Beach Safety advice;
- The RLSS website has more Open Water Safety Tips;
- The RNLI website has more Open Water Swimming Advice;
Click image to open to use links in the document
