CEO of the year
Mark Wilson, Wellspring Academy Trust
Mark’s commitment to inclusion, his trust community and the benefits of an innovative learning environment all drew the attention of the judges. Mark’s values and philosophy have supported the growing of a successful organisation over a period of time.
Sponsored by Executive Leadership Programme
CFO of the year
Benedicte Yue, River Learning Trust
The judges commended Benedicte’s innovation, system leadership and dissemination of knowledge for the benefit of the sector. Benedicte has transformed her role from a financial to strategic one, enabling reinvestments and ensuring financial stability.
Sponsored by School Business Services
Community trust of the year
Ormiston Academies Trust
OAT have chosen to focus on social action, giving back and achieving real change for the communities they serve. The judges praised the impact of the #Wewill project, which has engaged 9,000 young people in social action, enabling them to make a difference.
Sponsored by School Impact Awards
Digital innovation award
Shaw Education Trust
For SET, technology is not an add-on – the iPad project has changed their education offer. The judges were impressed by the extent and impact of the programme, its sustainability, and how it enhances opportunities and experiences for a range of students.
Sponsored by Skills London
Employer of the year
New Collaborative Learning Trust
Staff find NCLT a friendly, caring and flexible place to work, with plenty of potential for progression and collaboration. The judges appreciated how people strategy is being translated into practical, sustainable and replicable action, and its positive impact.
Sponsored by Ixion
Environmental trust of the year
Windsor Academy Trust
WAT’s commitment to a greener future is evident in their range of action around sustainability, in terms of curriculum, careers and estates management. The judges commended their holistic approach, as well as the progress made towards net zero goals.
Highly commended: Abbey Multi Academy Trust
Abbey MAT has transformed their sourcing and use of energy, achieved carbon net zero ahead of schedule, and anticipates reducing carbon emissions by more than 9000 tonnes due to investment and changes made. They’ve also planted 7,000 trees!
Sponsored by Browne Jacobson
Governance professional of the year
Rebecca Rafferty , Changing Lives In Collaboration (CLIC) Trust
The judges praised Rebecca’s enthusiasm, initiative and impact on systems and processes. She has radically improved the trust’s governor training offer, transformed communications and is a champion for governor recruitment, retention and succession planning.
Sponsored by Confederation of School Trusts
Growth and impact award
Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust
The trust demonstrates a compelling drive to improving educational outcomes for some of the most deprived communities in the North East, with their commitment to social justice through educational excellence and collaborative approach to school development.
Sponsored by Prospects Payroll
Inclusivity award
Lionheart Educational Trust
Staff and student voice are central to the trust’s approach. The judges appreciated the impact of action being taken in a range of areas, such as recruitment, career development and the curriculum, and the focus across faith, ethnicity, class and LGBTQ+.
Sponsored by International Forums of Inclusion Practitioners
MAT of the year
E-ACT
The panel were impressed with E-ACT’s comprehensive approach, including community hubs, corporate partnerships and the school improvement framework. Serving schools in some of the most deprived communities, the trust is committed to inclusion and impact.
Sponsored by Edurio
Trust executive team of the year
The Priestley Academy Trust
The trust’s investment in school improvement, values and commitment to #bethechange came through clearly for the judges. A focus on structures, systems and process is enabling the team to achieve transformational change and improved outcomes for pupils.
Sponsored by The Education Space
Wellbeing trust of the year
The Park Academies Trust
The judges all commended the long-term, sustainable approach of the trust, and the focus across children, families and staff. Effective working with outside agencies is making a real difference, and there is depth and substance to mental health provision.
Sponsored by Thrive
Lifetime achievement award
Gillian Hindle and Joy Clark, Oak Trust
‘The two most amazing women I’ve been privileged to know’ is how one colleague describes Gill and Joy. Together they have been the driving force behind the creation of the Oak Trust, and combine over 50 years of service in schools in the Manchester and Oldham area.
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