AN ACADEMY in Runcorn has received an online safety award – making it one of only two secondary schools in the north west to do so.

Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy in Runcorn has successfully received a 360 Degree Online Safety Mark after completing a rigorous assessment process.

The assessment was carried out by the South West Grid for Learning, a charity dedicated to the safe and secure use of technology globally.

The award’s assessors met with staff, parents and carers and students to review the school’s online safety provision.

It was determined that the school provides a high level of protection for students and staff who are using new technologies and digital spaces.

“The safety and wellbeing of our students is our top priority, and this extends not only to when they are in school but also when they are online,” said Liam Hussey, leader of digital safeguarding at Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy.

“We have put a lot of work into developing our online safety and digital safeguarding processes, so we are exceptionally proud to have been accredited with the prestigious 360 Degree Online Safety Mark which recognises and celebrates our provision in this area.”

The academy was praised for its work integrating online safety into the school’s policy and curriculum, as well as how-well educated its students are on staying safe online.

Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy is now one of only two secondary schools in the north west to have received this commendation.