A parent-teacher association (PTA) in Ramsbottom has won a national award after building significant links between the school and community.

Friends of Woodhey PTA was named Secondary School PTA of the Year in the 2024 National Parentkind PTA Awards, as well as being named one of only three finalists in the ‘New PTA of the year’ category.

Established just over 12 months ago, the small team has already raised around £20,000 to enhance facilities for all the students at Woodhey via a variety of events including a sponsored walk, summer fayre, break the rules day and second-hand uniform shop.

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Chrissy Round, Friends of Woodhey chair, said: “Friends of Woodhey have won the secondary PTA Awards of the year.

“We are so excited; we entered into two categories and were finalists in both with hundreds of schools applying throughout the UK.

“I just want to say a big thank you to the committee members, they’ve put so much time and effort this year into starting this new venture and it’s become so successful nearly raising £20,000.

“It takes a lot of time and effort to create these events and they’ve done a wonderful job.”

She also thanked the volunteers and community of Ramsbottom for helping out at the events and giving donations and sponsorships which help to raise money.

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Chrissy added: “The school has done such a good job supporting us.

“Dean Waston, the headteacher and Gill Hoyle, the chair of governors come to every meeting. They have great ideas, and they allow us to do a lot which shows the good working relationship between us.”

Mr Watson said: “As a school, we are exceptionally proud of our Friends of Woodhey, and this award is testament to their commitment to supporting our students and wider community.

“They have galvanised our parents, carers and the wider community to raise a significant amount of money to improve the school environment for our students.

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“Despite being a relatively new group, their start to working with school has been exceptional and we are excited to see the future.

“We would like to extend our thanks to the Friends of Woodhey committee and volunteers.”

The PTA will be hosting a Christmas Fair on Friday, November 29 between 6pm and 9pm to try and raise £5,000 to build two shelters over outdoor seating in the school’s grounds before Christmas.

There will be a licensed bar, a food stall selling hot dogs and turkey muffins, games and a raffle which people can buy tickets for.