Phillip Hedger’s outstanding leadership and impact on pupil outcomes across LEO Academy Trust’s schools was celebrated by the judges. He has guided their sector-leading digital approach to teaching, which has been recognised nationally, and internationally. The nomination highlighted extensive evidence of innovation, school improvement, and meaningful contributions to the wider education system, demonstrating clear leadership and multi-stakeholder engagement.
Sponsored by The Edwin Group
Phil has rapidly implemented numerous initiatives beyond core finance functions, demonstrating strong leadership while also influencing other establishments through his governance roles, interim CFO responsibilities, and the founding of the Norfolk CFO forum. His relentless drive for improvement and innovation has secured the full support of his trust thanks to his energetic and thoughtful approach. Phil has delivered transformative change, financial stability, and cultural improvement beyond finance and operations.
Sponsored by SAMpeople
ASSET Education Trust is to be highly commended for its leading role in establishing the Ipswich Social Mobility Alliance, a broad coalition of civic organisations with a bold and inspiring place-based vision to improve opportunities and outcomes for young people over a 25-year period. This is the start of a unique and exciting journey and the judges look forward to following its progress.
Sponsored by the Confederation of School Trusts
Community Schools Trust’s submission was ‘a joy to read’ for our judges, who saw the difference that CST have made to the progress of disadvantaged children in their community. All students are given high expectations for academic success while serving some of the UK’s most deprived communities. The trust's education, mentorship, and resources have empowered young people to overcome traditional barriers and achieve their potential.
Commando Joe’s work in such an important area during vital, formative years for pupils impressed the judges. Their submission was packed full of impactful quantitative evidence, showing their work on resilience and behaviour makes a ‘big difference’ to the trusts and young people they work with. Their clearly detailed innovation in this field makes them a worthy company of the year.
Castle Phoenix Trust’s efforts to close the attainment gap for young learners with special educational needs and disabilities was clear to our judges. They remarked on Castle Phoenix’s ‘digital creativity’ through the ownership students have of their learning, and the clear impact this has had on student engagement. There is great support across the trust for all stakeholders and evidence of strong impact.
Sponsored by TeacherMatic
The judges were impressed with Inclusive Multi Academy Trust’s comprehensive strategy for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. It is community-driven, values-led and considers the lived experiences of multiple identity groups. Their schools are data-driven and have a holistic approach to inclusion that reflects their commitment to creating nurturing environments and their intentions to be a truly inclusive trust.
Sponsored by Magma Maths
REAch2 Academy Trust’s comprehensive, trust-wide approach to sustainability impressed judges. They implemented curriculum partnerships, carbon literacy accredited training courses and undertook an eco-anxiety research project. They have hired a head of sustainability to spearhead action across the trust which includes external work with CAPE. Their application clearly demonstrated positive action taken in the past 12 months across the curriculum, campus, school culture and the wider community.
Michelle has clearly had an impact on her own trust and beyond, helping establish a very impressive professional learning community for governance professionals across 18 MATs in the East Midlands. Her strategy to recruit and retain a more diverse set of governance volunteers was viewed as commendable and impactful by the judges. There were multiple examples of Michelle working beyond her own trust and exercising system leadership.
The judges were impressed by Chiltern Learning Trust's high level of system leadership and sharing of best practice across a range of areas. They highlighted the trust's sector-wide sharing of knowledge on teacher training, behaviour, attendance, EDI and digital technology. Tangible results in their own trust, coupled with strong societal and sector impact, meant the judges were keen to celebrate Chiltern Learning Trust as MAT of the year 2025.
Sponsored by Supporting Education Group
Perspective Observatory pulls together evidence across a range of sources, a challenge that all trusts face, combining the data with action planning and other vital features. The judges commended the evidence and impact of this submission which highlighted improvement in centralising insights, consistency across a MAT, and streamlining of decision-making. The product is straightforward and easy to digest for MAT leaders, providing measurable impact.
STEP’s prioritisation of SEND leadership at all levels made their submission stand out. SEND is at the heart of this trust. Testimonials from parents and pupils who have benefited from STEP’s provision highlight the impact the trust has made, with results for children on EHCPs and attendance both above national averages. The judges noted their focus on collaborating with their community which has helped other pupils beyond the trust.
Academy Transformation Trust’s focus on all staff was clear. They have implemented a strong strategy for impactful professional development through tailored training, collaborative communities, and leadership programmes. They empower colleagues in all roles to grow, connect, and undertake research relevant to their role which forms part of a cycle of implementation and reflection. They have supported academy improvement, fostered personal growth, and secured a strong pipeline of talent.
The judges were impressed by the tangible and rapid improvement trajectory achieved by Ark Schools in a deprived coastal area. The schools that were mentioned in the submission all now deliver outcomes which significantly exceed national averages. The leaders have been empowered to retain the unique and special aspects of the character of their schools while the trust moves forward with impactful community transformation.
Sponsored by Stone King LLP
The judges cited Akshaya Patra and Djanogly Learning Trust’s ‘incredible work’ addressing disadvantage and child poverty as a key highlight. This submission was bolstered by its focus on the growing challenges related to child wellbeing, inspiring leaders, closing the disadvantage gap, and their regional impact in challenging areas. Strong parental engagement and deepened community spirit led a judge to remark: ‘To have achieved what they have done, I think is unbelievable’.
The judges were impressed by Lion Academy Trust’s clear evidence of impact across a range of areas. They highlighted their influence on staff wellbeing, with effective retention and use of surveys. Their commitment to closing the gap, and proof of sustained performance levels for disadvantaged pupils and students with SEND, are testament to the dedication and ambition of this executive team.
The Pinnacle Learning Trust evidenced a ‘truly whole-school and community approach’ in their submission. Their core offer comprehensively extends to students, staff, and parents with an extensive range of mental health provision and support. Their policies and evidence showed their understanding of individual needs being met through counselling, mentoring, staff engagement groups, employee support, theatre visits, mums’ groups and menopause groups.
Sponsored by The Key
Founder, and former CEO of REAch2 (the largest primary academy trust in England), Steve has more than 35 years’ experience in education, including 20 years as a headteacher. Knighted in 2016 for his significant contributions, he has worked both nationally and internationally as a national leader of education and lead adviser for the Department for Education’s London Challenge.
‘By virtue of his service and record, Sir Steve Lancashire is as close to national treasure status as any educator gets.’
Dan Morrow, CEO, Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust
Optimus Education, Collar Factory, 112 Augustine Street, Taunton, TA1 1QN, United Kingdom
Optimus Education © & Registered 2024