Winner: Essa Academy, Bolton, Lancashire
Caretakers Paul Carroll and Peter Consterdine go beyond the call of duty time and time again at the Essa Academy. No job seems too big or too small for the multi-talented duo, who are on site late into the evening.
Reliable and good-natured, they also support students on work experience and oversee extra-curricular activities. No matter how busy, they are always willing to lend a hand with heavy lifting, fixing a flat tyre or bringing a colleague a cup of tea and a slice of toast.
Their skills extend to doing most of the internal and external painting at the school themselves, and they have recently trained in how to replace broken windows. One colleague described them as “amazing guys with hearts of gold”.
Judges’ verdict: The panel were knocked out by the calibre of all the finalists in this category, but Paul and Peter won because of their infectious enthusiasm and “can do” attitude. As one judge said: “They captured our imagination because we all know how vital the caretaker’s role is, and the huge difference it makes if you have a team like this which really goes that extra mile.”