With the theme ‘Respect for the Environment’, the competition challenged students to transform used plastic packaging into a brand-new functional product. The aim was not only to reduce waste but also to demonstrate how innovative design can give everyday plastics a valuable second life.

Working either individually or in teams of up to four, students researched examples of plastic packaging that could be repurposed before developing a range of design concepts. They then selected their strongest idea and created a fully functional product using as little additional material as possible, showcasing both their creativity and practical design skills.

As part of the challenge, students also developed a product name and brand identity before preparing a professional pitch to present their ideas to a panel of judges. Entries included imaginative solutions such as storage products, garden accessories, household items and decorative pieces, all demonstrating the potential of sustainable design.

The competition highlighted the importance of reducing plastic pollution and encouraged students to consider the environmental impact of the products we use every day. It also provided an excellent opportunity to develop key skills in problem-solving, teamwork, communication, product design and presentation.

The most successful entries progressed to the Grand Final, held at the Blue Planet Aquarium in Ellesmere Port, where finalists showcased their creations against the backdrop of one of the UK’s largest aquariums. The event celebrated innovation while reinforcing the importance of protecting our oceans and natural environments from plastic pollution.

Throughout the competition, students demonstrated remarkable ingenuity, resilience and environmental awareness. Their thoughtful designs showed that with creativity and determination, discarded materials can be transformed into practical products that support a more sustainable future.

Congratulations to all of the students who took part. Their enthusiasm, innovation and commitment to sustainable design made this an inspiring and rewarding experience for everyone involved.

The post Students Showcase Sustainable Innovation in Plastic Upcycling Challenge appeared first on The Ellesmere Port C of E College.

I am writing to inform you of an important leadership change at The Ellesmere Port Church of England College.

From September, Mr Paul Masher will take up the role of Executive Headteacher at the College. Mr Masher is currently Headteacher of our sister school, Birches Head Academy, where he has played a significant role in driving school improvement and supporting the academy’s successful development journey. As an experienced leader within The Frank Field Education Trust, he has a strong understanding of our values, expectations and ways of working, ensuring continuity and stability for our school community.

In his new role, Mr Masher will work across both schools, providing strategic leadership and helping to guide The Ellesmere Port Church of England College through the next stage of its development.

Mr Masher will be supported by Mr Stephen Murphy, who will join the College as Head of School. Many families will already know Mr Murphy from his previous time as a member of the College’s leadership team. Since then, he has gained further leadership experience within a trust in Liverpool and brings valuable expertise back to our school.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Ms Phillips for her hard work, commitment and dedication during this academic year. From September, she will return to her role within the Trust’s central team, and we wish her every success in the future.

We are excited about the opportunities these appointments will bring and look forward to continuing to work together to provide the very best education and support for all our students.

The post Leadership Change at EPC appeared first on The Ellesmere Port C of E College.

The event recognised students who have successfully completed the Frank Field Education Trust Gold Award Programme, which encourages young people to demonstrate dedication, resilience, leadership and personal development while embodying the Trust’s core values.

The ceremony opened with a special acapella performance by Humaira from Birches Head Academy, followed by a welcome from Miss F. Power, Director of Standards. Guests also heard from Director of Education, Ms K. Dixon, who praised the commitment and determination shown by pupils throughout their award journeys.

Students from across the Trust showcased their talents throughout the celebration. Highlights included an extract from High School Musical performed by Birches Head Academy, the Addams Family performance by students from Ellesmere Port Church of England College, and a moving rendition of This Is Me from The Greatest Showman, featuring pupils from Birches Head Academy, Ellesmere Port Church of England College and Handforth Grange Primary School.

The centrepiece of the afternoon was the Gold Award Presentation Ceremony, where pupils were recognised across a range of award levels, including Skill Builders, Explorers, Foundation, Intermediate, Master and Graduate Awards. Family members, teachers and Trust leaders joined together to applaud the remarkable achievements of the award winners.

The Frank Field Education Trust Gold Award represents the highest level of achievement within the Trust’s awards programme. It challenges pupils to broaden their experiences, develop valuable life skills and demonstrate the LORIC characteristics that support future success and a choice-filled life.

Speaking at the event, Trust leaders congratulated every award winner on their hard work, perseverance and commitment, expressing pride in all they have accomplished and confidence in their future success.

The ceremony concluded with a celebration of the Trust’s shared values of humility, compassion, honesty, integrity, gratitude, courage, respect and justice, leaving pupils and guests inspired by the achievements of the young people recognised throughout the day.

The post Pupils Celebrate Success at Frank Field Education Trust Gold Award Ceremony appeared first on The Ellesmere Port C of E College.

The presentation was made by the Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire, Lady Alexis Redmond, in recognition of the group’s outstanding contribution to preserving and enhancing the historic station. Often described as the equivalent of an MBE for volunteer groups, it is the highest honour that can be awarded to a local voluntary organisation in the UK.

Volunteers past and present gathered for the occasion, celebrating the dedication and hard work that has helped secure the station’s future for generations to come.

As Chris Hampshire, the former chair of FHRS is also former chair of the FFET board, we had the honour of being asked to send two of our Year 7 pupils to the event. Both pupils have previously supported the Friends of Hadlow Road Station with their annual Santa’s Grotto. They were able to witness this wonderful ceremony and present the Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire with a bunch of flowers on behalf of FHRS.

We are very proud of them and know that the opportunity to play a part in such a prestigious ceremony will be something that will always remain with them.

Well done to all.

The post Friends of Hadlow Road Station (FHRS) were formally presented with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service appeared first on The Ellesmere Port C of E College.

With this in mind, we are making an important change to our mobile phone arrangements; From 1 June 2026, all pupils in every year group will place their smart devices in a secure phone pouch while on the school site. By having a clear, whole‑school approach, we can remove pressure from families and help ensure that no child feels disadvantaged.

The wider evidence of the impact of mobiles phones is clear:

• Problematic smartphone use is strongly linked with increased anxiety and depression in teenagers
• Young people receive hundreds of notifications each day, directly affecting focus and attention.
• Much bullying now happens through digital devices
• Schools that remove smartphones from the day regularly see significant improvements in engagement in their learning

Closer to home, both our neighbouring secondary schools already operate phone‑free systems with great success. 

What this means

A smart device includes any internet‑enabled device, such as smartphones and smartwatches, even those marketed as “restricted” or “locked down.”

To ensure the policy is fair and consistent:

• Staff will check that pouches are securely locked on arrival
• Any pupil found with a smart device outside their pouch will receive a sanction in line with our behaviour policy

Medical exceptions

Some pupils rely on a device for essential medical reasons, such as continuous glucose monitoring or clinically prescribed apps.

For these pupils:

• We have purchased specialist medical pouches, and
• We will work closely with families to ensure no child’s health or safety is compromised.

Staying in touch

If you need to contact your child in an emergency during the day, please call the school office and messages will be passed promptly.

If your child needs to urgently contact you, they can do so via their Learning Coach at appropriate times.

Working together

We warmly encourage you to consider joining the Smartphone‑Free Childhood Parent Pact, a national collective commitment that removes pressure on individual families and helps all children feel supported – https://www.smartphonefreechildhood.org/sign-the-parent-pact .

Thank you for your continued partnership. Changes like this are most successful when schools and families work together, and we are deeply grateful for your trust and support.

If you have any questions, please do get in touch—we genuinely welcome the conversation.

The post Update to our Mobile Phone Policy appeared first on The Ellesmere Port C of E College.

Welcome to the Examination Timetable page. Here you will find all the information you need about upcoming school examinations, including dates, start times, and important guidance for students.

Exam Schedule

The timetable below shows the dates and times of all scheduled examinations for this assessment period. Students should carefully check their individual subjects and ensure they arrive on time for each exam.

Please note that some subjects may have multiple papers. Make sure you attend all required exam sessions.

Questions or Support

If you have any questions about the exam timetable, please contact the our Examinations Officer or speak to your subject teacher.

The post Year 11 Summer Exam Timetable appeared first on The Ellesmere Port C of E College.