As part of the 2025 Warrington Guardian Education Awards, our Willow Tree Park School has received 2 awards to recognise the incredible achievements of our team and students. Headteacher, Alicia Highton, has won the Headteacher of the Year Award and student, Kyle Whittaker, has achieved the High School Pupil of the Year Award!
Headteacher of the Year
Warrington Guardian’s Headteacher of the Year Award aims to recognise inspirational headteachers with a compelling commitment to success – and our Willow Tree Park headteacher, Alicia, fits the criteria in every way!
In a release about the award, the Warrington Guardian said Alicia was chosen to win the award due to her hard work, dedication and determination. She received multiple nominations celebrating her unwavering support for students, employees and families alike.
One nomination said: “Alicia is an exceptional leader who embodies everything a great head teacher should be – dedicated, compassionate and truly invested in the success and wellbeing of every student and colleague at Willow Tree Park.”
Teams at the school said: “She leads by example, with warmth, integrity and an unshakable belief in the potential of every young person who walks through our doors.”
Alicia was praised for creating a warm, nurturing and inclusive environment for all of our young people at Willow Tree Park and has “transformed the lives of countless students”.
High School Pupil of the Year
Kyle Whittaker has been a student of Willow Tree Park for 3 years and has been awarded the High School Pupil of the Year award out of recognition for his “resilience, growth and transformation.”
The High School Pupil of the Year Award recognises a young person who has demonstrated extreme determination and has overcome challenges to develop themselves and support the community around them.
Kyle has successfully completed 3 years at Willow Tree Park and is currently working towards his Level 2 Functional Skills qualification in Maths and English. Previously, Kyle had never stayed for more than 2 consecutive years at a school due to challenges in finding the right educational environment for him, but since joining us at Willow Tree Park, he has been able to thrive and has demonstrated a strong commitment and perseverance to his personal development.
During his time at school, Kyle has taken on the role of Junior Dog Handler, playing a key part in training the school’s certified therapy dog, Poppy, in his spare time and helping younger students to engage with her.
Kerry Platt, School Business Manager, said “Kyle is a truly deserving winner of the High School Pupil of the Year Award. Over the past three years, he has shown extraordinary resilience, personal growth and academic progress despite a history of disrupted education. He has also developed strong social and self-regulation skills and plays an active, supportive role in our school community. His passion and dedication shine through his work with our therapy dog and his transformation into a confident, capable and compassionate young man makes him a powerful role model and an inspiring choice for this award.”
We are so proud of both Kyle and Alicia!
