Newington Community Primary School in Ramsgate is celebrating being the most prolific of the winners in the nationwide Young Audio Awards 2023.
The school’s Triple A Radio station team picked up triple honours in the competition – two silvers and bronze – meaning it was the only school to be represented three times in the winning categories out of hundreds of submissions and subsequent nominations.
The next generation of audio stars were announced online in a live stream on Friday, July 7, and Newington’s ground-breaking station, which was one of the first primary-age pupil-led radio set-ups when it launched in 2015, was among the top honours.
Silver awards went to Maisie Chittenden and Lila-Rose Campell-Wilkinson in the BBC Sounds ‘Rising Talent’ category and also to Triple A Radio in the Fun Kids Radio ‘Primary School Radio Station of the Year’ class.
Newington’s haul was completed with bronze award in the ‘Best In Speech’ with TalkSport Radio category.
Music teacher Warwick Eldred who co-ordinates the Newington station – known as ‘vadio’ for its broad mix of radio and video content – was thrilled.
He said: “What a fantastic result for our ‘vadio’ team and for our whole school community.
“Being recognised in the three award categories – the most of any school in the competition – highlights the breadth of our output and content.
“It is a fantastic achievement by our children who work so enthusiastically and contribute great ideas for the station. I am sure we will create a celebratory audio package together in the coming days, so watch out for it online.”
The 2023 success follows Newington winning the innovation award and the top primary radio title in 2020, while in 2019 it won for achievement in the community, and best use for education.
Broadcasters Jordan North and Tyler West presented the ceremony, with guest appearances from Vernon Kay, Ken Bruce, Stephanie Hirst, Jordan & Perri, Tatum McGreal, Darren Bent and more.
Sam Bailey, Managing Director of The Radio Academy that administers the awards, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for young people across the UK to be recognised for the hugely creative work they do with audio – one of the most accessible forms of media you can imagine.
“At The Radio Academy, we love to recognise kids starting up their own school radio shows or bedroom podcasts – and the talent this year has been incredible.”
George Butler, Chair of the Young Audio Awards, added: “The Class of 2023 has proved that the future of audio is in safe hands. All of this year’s nominees and winners have proved that the human heart at the centre of radio will live on for years to come.”
Newington Head Teacher Hannah Tudor is proud of the school’s achievement. She said: “Triple A ‘vadio’ continues to develop and these latest awards in our long line of success is a great tribute to the dedication of our wonderful team.
“To do so remarkably well in each category they were nominated for speaks volumes about the quality of performance, production and content delivered by the station.
“It is a great learning resource and it encourages a range of skills from technical production and performance to communication and teamwork.”
Triple A stands for Ambition, Achievement and Aspiration, the Newington school ethos.
The radio provides school news and information, learning resources, podcasts, education, song and music, and a platform for aspiring performers and presenters.
Find out more about Triple A Radio via the school’s online platform www.newington-ramsgate.org.uk
The Young Audio Awards are supported by both commercial and BBC radio. Find out more online at www.youngaudioawards.co.uk