Fairfax Academy has been recognised nationally for its commitment to ensuring every learner feels valued and supported, winning the Best Practice for Inclusive Education Award at the 2026 Business Education Awards. The achievement reflects the school’s sustained focus on creating an environment where all students can thrive.
This latest success follows two recent national honours. Earlier this year Fairfax was accredited with the Wellbeing Award for Schools, a national standard for positive mental health and emotion wellbeing, recognising its comprehensive pastoral system, which includes Heads of Year, mentors and a strong, inclusive environment. The academy also won the ADHD Neurodiversity Award, marking an exceptional period of recognition for the academy.
Principal Sean Castle said the whole team is honoured.
“We are really proud to take this award back to Fairfax Academy and ensure everyone can share in the win. This is a wonderful achievement which shows the dedication, compassion, and hard work of our staff, students, and wider school community,” he added.
The awards ceremony, held in London on 26 March, also saw representation from Bournville School, which had been shortlisted for the Community Award. Although the school did not take home the trophy, Principal Marie Rooney e
xpressed pride in the nomination.
“It is wonderful to be recognised among such prestigious company. This nomination shows the impact of our work with local businesses, partner schools, and community agencies, and the incredible effort of our whole school.”
The Business Education Awards honour excellence and innovation across more than twenty areas of school practice, shining a spotlight on schools that are shaping positive futures for young people.
These nominations build on the Trust’s growing profile within the sector. In both 2024 and 2025, Head of
Quality and Trust Improvement, Ian McNeilly, was named in the Education Business 50 Most Influential list – further recognition of the Trust’s leadership and commitment to improving outcomes for young people.
