TWO pupils from a school in Wrexham couldn't be separated by judges at the Leader Education Awards 2024. 

Cady Oakley and Elliot Woolrich, both of Ysgol Bryn Alyn were handed Secondary School Pupul of the Year at the awards night at The Village Hotel, St David's on March 14. 

Judges were looking to give the award to a young person who had achieved something beyond expectations in education, within challenging times over the last 12 months.

It was not necessarily about the highest academic achiever - it could be about the way an individual has developed themselves personally, through sheer determination to do better.

The pair couldn't be separated by judges, who decided to split the award with the pupils. 

Since being at Ysgol Bryn Alyn, Cady "has changed for the best". The school has been "brilliant" with Cady and have helped her an awful lot through a very challenging period of her life.

After initially having stopped going to school, Cady moved to the school near Gwersyllt and hasn't looked back since. 

After being announced as the joint winner, Cady said: "I just want to thank my mum and my nan who fought for me to get into college. Also to Mrs Corfield, who helped me a lot.

"I don't know what to say, I'm shocked. All I would say is if you're struggling, don't give up."

The second recipient, Elliot also had a glowing nomination. 

Elliot was described as being "very helpful" with friends, neighbours, and fami'y and has joined in helping clean up the village over the past few years for the community council.

Elliot's values also impressed judges, after he had come to the aid of a younger pupil at the school during a time of distress, before seeking help and continuing to support the pupil. 

After receiving the award, Elliot said: "I'm very shocked, I didn't expect it at all.

"I just always try and help, always put myself in other peoples shoes and try and help them as you don't know what they're going through."

Don't miss our souvenir supplement in this Thursday, March 28 Leader.