A SCHOOL in Flintshire took this year's Primary School of the Year prize at the 2025 Leader Education Awards.
Judges said the award would be given to the primary school who in the opinion of the judges has had an outstanding academic year.
This may be improvements in attendance levels, parent engagement or examination results. The school may have made or built upon partnerships in the local or business community, achieved new green credentials, or achieved competition success.
This year's winners of the award were Ysgol Bryn Gwalia in Mold.
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The nomination form for the school read: "Ysgol Bryn Gwalia has demonstrated remarkable dedication to fostering inclusion, resilience, and unity through sport, earning them the prestigious title of Primary School of the Year at the Chance to Shine Awards.
"This accolade is a testament to their exceptional commitment to cricket as a tool for transformative learning and community building. With 52% of its students eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) and limited prior engagement with the sport, introducing cricket was a bold and visionary step.
"However, the school turned these challenges into a catalyst for success. The introduction of a dedicated cricket coach to the school sparked an immediate transformation."
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One of the most inspiring outcomes was the story of a Year six pupil, a refugee from Afghanistan. Joining the school with limited English and low confidence, the pupil found his voice and footing through cricket.
His natural talent not only helped him integrate but also inspired his peers, showing how sport can transcend language barriers and foster community spirit.
Speaking after the award win, Bryn Gwalia head teacher Lorraine Dalton said: "We are absolutely over the moon and so proud to have won this award. We just work so hard as a team to give every child in our school the chance to thrive."
Deputy heard Kate Sturdy added: "The children are so special in our school and so humble and grateful of everything we do."
