Wade Deacon High School celebrates ex-pupil thriving at the World Cup
Pupils at Wade Deacon High School have been inspired by the monumental rise of Anthony Gordon, closely observing his ascent to the pinnacle of not just European football this summer, but international football, too.
Anthony, 25, hails from Liverpool but was educated in Widnes due to the academic partnership that previously existed between Wade Deacon High School and Everton Football Club’s academy players.
Today, the BBC visited Wade Deacon High School to find out more about Anthony's time at Wade Deacon High School, and how he continues to inspire pupils at the school, nine years after leaving in 2017.
The winger made his debut for Everton as a sixteen-year old, just months after leaving the school.
He went on to leave Everton for Newcastle United in January 2023 having won Players’ Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season in the previous year.
After playing a pivotal role in securing Newcastle United’s first trophy in 70 years, followed by another Champions League qualification, Anthony left the North East for Spanish giants, Barcelona, earlier this summer.
He signed a five-year contract at the Camp Nou in a transfer deal worth almost £70 million.
With the semi-final against Argentina just around the corner, pupils at Wade Deacon High School have been doubly excited to watch England as they have progressed through the knockout stages.
Pupils have been gripped by the optimistic atmosphere that has lifted the nation, and are inspired that one of their own is playing a central part in the country’s success at the World Cup in North America.
Matty Deeney, who is now Head of School at Wade Deacon High School, was Anthony’s Head of Year throughout his time in Widnes.
He commented on how proud the whole school was of its former pupil’s rise, saying:
“We have many fond memories of Anthony following his time here at Wade Deacon High School.
“His story inspires all of our pupils that a young person can come to our school and go on to fulfil their dreams on the biggest of stages.
“As a schoolboy, Anthony’s focus, including on his education, and his willingness to make sacrifices to pursue his dreams have played a huge part in the success which he is enjoying today, and we are so proud of him and his achievements.”
Brendan Hesketh, Executive Principal at Wade Deacon High School, added:
“Anthony is a model of our unifying motto: A Commitment To Excellence, and as part of that, our two core commitments: believe in yourself and give the very best of yourself.
“His ambition and dedication have left a trail of footsteps for our pupils to follow in.
“We strongly believe that there is an abundance of talent across our school. This summer’s World Cup is highlighting to all of our pupils, no matter their giftings or interests, that talent and hard work can take them far, just like it has done with Anthony, who, ten years ago was sat in the same classrooms that they do now, dreaming the same dreams that they might have now.”
