This year’s MAT Excellence Awards, hosted by Optimus Education, welcomed more than 600 trust leaders, educators and sector partners on 11 June to celebrate excellence across the trust sector.
Read reflections from some of the winners and attendees on what the evening meant to them.
Governance professional of the year - Winner: Maria Maltby, David Ross Education Trust
‘I am truly honoured and very grateful to have been named Governance Professional of the Year at the MAT Excellence Awards. This recognition reflects not only my own work, but the strength, professionalism and dedication of my small yet outstanding team, whose commitment to high-quality governance is fundamental to everything we achieve. It is a privilege to work alongside colleagues who are so deeply invested in making a positive difference for our schools and the children and communities we serve. This award is particularly meaningful because it recognises the collective effort behind the scenes and encourages us to continue striving for excellence in governance together.'
Governance professional of the year - Highly Commended: Kerry Morris, Rainbow Education Multi Academy Trust
‘It was a pleasure to attend the MAT Excellence Awards 2026 hosted by Optimus Education. To be shortlisted in the category of Governance Professional of the Year was already a very proud moment of recognition for me. To then win the Highly Commended award in this category, surrounded by my brilliant colleagues was an unexpected achievement and honour.
I am so proud and humbled to be part of the governance community and to be part of the great education journey Rainbow Education MAT provides to our children.
‘Thank you MAT Excellence Awards for recognising my contributions and showcasing the drive for excellence in the industry.’
SEND award (13+ schools) - Winner: Academy Transformation Trust
'Winning the national MAT Excellence Award for SEND provision was incredibly special. It truly feels like a win for everyone, as inclusion is always built through the collective effort, commitment and care of many people working together across our Trust. It was particularly powerful to see Grace, one of our dedicated and talented SENCOs, having the opportunity to join the event to receive the award on behalf of ATT. It's a real testament to the work our SENCOs do every day to ensure that pupils with SEND are understood, supported and able to thrive. Our wider team will be absolutely delighted. This recognition means a great deal to colleagues across ATT who work tirelessly to give our learners both the roots and the wings to succeed.’
Company of the year - Winner: Magma Maths
‘Being recognised by the MAT sector itself means a great deal to us, and to be described as ‘terrific’ is incredibly motivating. We're proud of the impact we're having in classrooms across the UK, and grateful for every talented, passionate person we get to work with on our journey to improve maths attainment.’
MAT of the year (Large) - Winner: E-ACT
‘We are incredibly proud to receive this recognition. What makes the award particularly meaningful is that it reflects the hard work and commitment of colleagues across all of our academies, who work every day to improve outcomes and opportunities for children and young people.’
Staff development award (13+ schools) and Transformation and impact award - Highly Commended: REAch2 Academy Trust
'We are delighted that the work of colleagues across REAch2 has been recognised in this way. These commendations reflect the collective effort of people across our schools and central teams who work every day to improve opportunities and outcomes for children. What makes this recognition particularly meaningful is that it acknowledges both the development of our people and the impact we are having in our schools. The two are intrinsically linked. Great schools are built by great people, and investing in our colleagues is one of the most important things we can do for the children we serve. My congratulations go to all trusts, schools and colleagues recognised through this year's awards. It is encouraging to see so much inspiring work being celebrated across the sector.’
SEND award (1-12 schools), Staff development award (1-12 schools) and Wellbeing trust of the year - Winner: LEO Academy Trust
‘I would like to make a personal thank you to the entire team for putting together such a flawless, inspiring, and thoroughly enjoyable event. The meticulous planning and care that went into the evening was evident from start to finish, and the seamless pre-event communication made the entire experience effortless. Beyond the well-deserved celebrations, the ceremony provided a fantastic space to network, exchange ideas, and truly connect with peers across the sector. Your hard work in shining a spotlight on the dedication of trust leaders and educators is deeply appreciated, and it was an absolute privilege to be a part of it.’
Trust collaboration award - Winner: Best Practice Network and The Gallery Trust
'This recognition celebrates the innovative partnership between The Gallery Trust and Best Practice Network, through which we have reimagined and redesigned Initial Teacher Training for colleagues working in specialist settings. Together, we have developed a programme that places specialist pedagogy, inclusion and understanding of complex needs at its heart from the very beginning of a teacher's journey. The aim has always been simple, to ensure that children and young people with SEND are taught by professionals who feel confident, knowledgeable and equipped to make a difference. This award belongs to everyone who has contributed to this work but also all the colleagues who have challenged our thinking, the mentors and school leaders who have supported the student teachers and the student teachers themselves, whose passion for specialist education continues to inspire us. Thank you to the MAT Excellence Awards for this recognition.'
The Optimus Education team would like to thank all who attended, nominated, and supported this year’s awards. The feedback from the evening has been overwhelmingly positive, with many delegates highlighting the value of recognition, connection, and shared celebration.
We look forward to seeing even more inspiring work in 2027!
