The judges noted Susan's ‘exceptional’ contribution to SEND and inclusion not just in her own trust, but also nationally. The positive impact that she has for children across Eden’s academies, alongside her sector-leading approach to specialist education, stood out. A phrase repeated by all judges was ‘professional generosity’, as they acclaimed her role as a systems leader both nationally and internationally.
‘Susan is always there for colleagues, both in the trust and outside the trust, who ask for her help. She is an incredible woman.’
David was praised by judges for redefining the CFO role through advanced data analytics, his impact on educational outcomes, and deep operational reform. Stand out work included his financial planning that allows more non-contact time for teachers working with SEN, reduction of administrative burdens, and improved data on absence reporting leading to targeted intervention, all whilst keeping a well-run finance function with clear audits and strong reserves. He exemplifies the modern MAT CFO as a strategic system leader, not just a financial manager.
Ark’s long-term, place-based partnership has transformed an underserved community through inclusive regeneration, and has delivered education, youth services, skills, housing and employment at scale while creating a sustainable national hub for education innovation. Judges commended Ark’s ‘bold vision for social impact and huge achievement’, stating that it provides a model for what trusts, as civic organisations, can build for a community in close partnership with local authorities, agencies and charities.
Endeavour’s status as their community’s ‘anchor institution’ was emphasised by the panel. Highlights for the judges included their strong focus on safeguarding with the DSL Academy, the large number of networks established, and clear rationale behind their actions. The breadth of the work being done across the trust’s communities ensures no gap is left in service, with coordinated physical activity, wellbeing, SEND, leadership and safeguarding programmes.
The judges described Magma Maths as a ‘terrific’ platform with innovative use of technology. The scalability and impressive quantifiable outcomes highlighted the incredible year that they have had. Their strong evidence showed significant gains in achievement with major reductions in workload. Magma demonstrated how they support inclusive, high-quality maths pedagogy at scale, empowering trusts to deliver consistent, confident, and equitable maths education.
Woodland Academy Trust demonstrated a sector‑leading, genuinely transformative approach to digital innovation that is both inclusive and impactful. The judges were impressed by the embedding of Universal Design for Learning and responsible AI into every aspect of teaching and leadership, resulting in measurable improvement in outcomes, reduced workload, and enhanced accessibility for all learners. Their work is not only innovative, but replicable, ethically grounded, and already influencing practice nationally and internationally, making them a truly deserving exemplar of digital excellence.
The judges praised CLF's approach to ‘difficult conversations’, where local stories are championed and the scope is broadened to include all marginalised groups. Cabot’s systems positively support the work, with link governors overseeing their DEIB efforts. They have a strong MAT-wide commitment to creating a legacy of equitable opportunities for their community and a ‘clear values-led commitment to inclusion for staff and students’.
Northern Star’s submission was acclaimed as ‘outstanding’ by our judges as they highlighted their trust-wide sustainability strategy, pupil-led initiatives, and strong community and national engagement. This included partnerships, apiaries, and school-grown produce. The trust demonstrated significant influence on climate education and practice with involvement in international research and support for the wider sector.
Maria has transformed the effectiveness of governance at DRET, acting as a trusted advisor and a catalyst for effective leadership. Her impact and focus on diversity in governance is what impressed the judges, particularly at scale and whilst onboarding. Her focus on sustainable governance with younger governors, new and aspiring Chairs programme, mock panels and EDI focus led judges to acclaim her as ‘forward-thinking’ and ‘innovative’ in her sector-leading approach.
The judges were impressed by E-ACT’s ‘exceptional metrics for both quality and impact across the sector’. They have a coherent, system-wide model that operates at national scale, with disciplined execution and moral clarity. Their impact has been transformational within the trust, but they also showcased true national system leadership with the successful support of more than 100 schools outside of the trust. E-ACT exhibited strong gains, with clear causality between action and impact, for disadvantaged learners, SEND inclusion, attendance, outcomes, workforce wellbeing and community engagement.
Focus-Trust’s work over the past year was described as ‘really excellent’ with ‘clear impact and community engagement’ by the panel. Their proactivity to partner externally to solve challenges was lauded, alongside their internal delivery. One particular highlight was their national Vision project: vision screen checks with Manchester University, Bradford University and NHS partners. Also noted by the judges was their involvement in the Women’s CHAI project and how they exhibited responsive professional learning.
Rivermead Inclusive Trust impressed judges with its ‘unwavering moral purpose and exceptional impact for the most vulnerable learners’, demonstrating how inclusive practice, strong leadership and sustainable systems can transform outcomes across an entire trust, and impact on the wider community. Their innovative and inclusive approach, community work, strong leadership and people development were highlighted by the panel.
Judges commended IMP’s ‘impressive’ submission, stating that ‘they are having a demonstrable impact on the MAT sector’ as they help more than 500 trusts to become more efficient, more strategic and importantly helping them become financially sustainable. The IMP Planner has achieved rapid growth, showing ability to scale across the sector with a solution that is ‘powerful’ and needed as a MAT priority.
LEO’s clear impact and use of pupil voice was commended by the judges, as they communicated a strong ethos and cohesiveness of culture across their schools. Areas the judges highlighted include their work on attendance, reduction of exclusions, outreach, engagement from young people, and environmental adaptations. Supported by evidence that demonstrated the lived experience of LEO’s approach, their significant investment in, and pioneering empowerment of, SEND learners was clear to the panel.
The judges acclaimed ATT’s ‘strong strengths-based approach’, with the adoption of Judith Carter’s 7Cs model ensuring that all schools are fully inclusive. Their clear strategic, trust-wide approach highlighted a full core offer and high universal provision built around a clear framework with strong evidence of qualitative and quantitative impact. The panel appreciated how they are ‘empowering thinkers that don't always feel empowered,’ driven by their pledge to give ‘every child roots and wings’.
LEO’s outward facing, wide-reaching system leadership impressed our judges, with more than 1,000 visitors to their schools last year. They are ‘unparalleled’ with their professional generosity nationally and internationally, but also were commended for their ‘incredible’ 100% ECT retention statistics for the year. The benefits that they have drawn for staff based on their AI adoption and usage also received a special mention from the panel.
Education South West's submission felt ‘authentic and from the heart’ according to the judges. Their submission presented a workforce-wide approach with clear evidence of internal progression, cultural impact and quantifiable outcomes. The maturity of the approach was apparent to our panel, with their focus on the whole workforce and strength of internal progression being commended with their Grow Your Own leadership programmes. Their flexible CPD and wellbeing pledge foster progression and innovation.
Exceed Academies Trust transforms lives through inclusive, high-quality education, innovative practice, and strong partnerships. Their relentless focus on raising standards, supporting diverse communities, and investing in staff and estates drives sustained improvement and delivers positive outcomes for learners, staff, and the wider community. The judges were impressed by the overall culture at Exceed and their clear turnaround credibility with sustained improvement, including alternative provision and specialist contexts.
This nomination stood out for the impact of their collaboration, building professional capacity across special and mainstream schools through high-quality, evidence-informed programmes that strengthen leadership, inclusion and practice. The judges praised the scale and responsiveness to sector demand with a SEND focused ITT curriculum that benefits the trust and the wider sector. This collaboration is a great example of how the sector can work with training providers to meet new and increasingly complex needs.
Consilium were commended by the panel for being ‘consciously and intentionally driven by operational achievement’. They clearly demonstrated how they have driven improvements across major areas of school life with tangible effect and increased the quality of educational experience for their young people. Their impact on the lives of their young people was described as ‘phenomenal’ as they have been able to change the trajectory of their lives with increased attendance and outcomes.
LEO Academy Trust demonstrated a wide range of initiatives and interventions that effectively support both student and staff wellbeing. The judges commended the clear impact, parent voice, and whole-trust embedding of a tailored approach to student wellbeing. Their tiered intervention structure is comprehensive and includes students, staff, parents and the community. The trust shared its aspiration to create a sense of belonging in a secure and positive environment, putting wellbeing at the forefront with on-the-ground, impactful and tangible initiatives.
‘Richard demonstrated how great leadership is also about great humanity.’ - Geoff Barton, Former General Secretary of ASCL
‘I’m so grateful for all your support, both professionally and personally, helping me find belief and purpose and never to give up hope.’ - Sue Lewis, Director of Red Kite Alliance
‘During the COVID pandemic Richard unselfishly stepped forward to support and advise school and college leaders across the country with navigating all the demands that the pandemic threw at the education sector.’ - Pepe Di’Lasio, ASCL General Secretary
‘Thank you for being a fantastic leader, role model and source of joy and inspiration. Red Kite is a very special organisation to be part of thanks to you.’ - Liz Zoccolan, Lead for Inclusion, Red Kite Learning Trust
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