New Road Primary School in Sowerby Bridge has set an unprecedented standard for health and wellbeing, achieving the highest recognition in every category of the Calderdale Healthy Schools award program. Recognised for its exceptional efforts in mental and emotional wellbeing, physical activity, and food and nutrition, the school has become the first in Calderdale to secure Gold level awards in all three criteria.
Diamond Award
This outstanding achievement has been acknowledged by Calderdale Council, leading to the creation of a ground-breaking 'Diamond' status exclusively for schools demonstrating excellence in every Healthy School category. In a historic moment, New Road Primary School received the inaugural Diamond award from Calderdale Council's Director of Public Health, Deborah Harkins.

The school's efforts have been so impressive that the local BBC news programme Look North even picked up the story. Watch the video below for the full feature.
Dedicated to Health & Wellbeing
To earn the awards, New Road Primary School provided evidence linking curriculum learning to a broad and balanced ethos that educates children about the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and how to make informed choices. Visual displays throughout the school, including a wall showcasing photos of pupils, parents, and staff engaged in physical activities, reinforce the school's dedication to health and wellbeing.
Headteacher Sharon Harwood expressed immense pride in the achievement, highlighting the collective commitment of the school community. She emphasised the school's aim to instil positive attitudes and healthy behaviours that extend into adult life.
Promoting positive attitudes and encouraging healthy behaviours is not just a priority for our children to follow whilst they attend primary school, our aim is to instil these choices so our children understand the importance of maintaining them into their adult lives.
Sharon Harwood - Headteacher at New Road Primary
Active Calderdale's Education Manager Rebecca Antcliffe was also keen to reiterate that the Diamond Award reflects New Road Primary's commitment to supporting children and families to be physically active and make healthy choices.
New Road is one of Active Calderdale’s Active School Champions, and this award reflects their commitment to supporting children and their families to be physically active and make healthy choices. This is a whole school approach with every member of staff fully involved and invested in promoting positive health and wellbeing.
Rebecca Antcliffe - Active Education Manager
Vision 2024
In alignment with Calderdale's Vision 2024, the Healthy Schools award program aims to create more resilient communities with improved health and wellbeing outcomes. New Road Primary School's success not only showcases its dedication to health but also sets a shining example for other schools on the path to fostering positive, healthy choices.
Read the full Diamond Award press release here.