Two of our schools are being recognised on the national stage, with Bournville All-Through School and Fairfax Academy both shortlisted in the Education Business Awards 2026. Their nominations highlight the exceptional work taking place across our Trust and the impact our schools are having on the communities they serve.
Bournville Principal Marie Rooney said she is ‘humbled’ to be in the running for the Community Award, a category which celebrates a school’s active citizenship and deep connection with their local area. It follows community initiatives including a student-led food bank drive, free uniform and bus pass schemes and the opening of a refurbished community hub, which is used for Parent Forums, SEND Parent drop-in mornings, events and workshops.
Principal Marie Rooney said: “As a school being a key anchor in the community is central to us, so to be recognised for that is really humbling. It really is reassuring for the community to know that the school that serves them is being celebrated nationally.”
Fairfax Academy has been nominated for Best Practice in Inclusive Education Award, recognising its commitment to ensuring every learner feels valued, supported and able to thrive. The nomination follows two recent national wins: Wellbeing School of the Year and the ADHD Neurodiversity Award.
Principal Sean Castle said the whole team is honoured.
“Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do, and this nomination is a wonderful recognition of the dedication, compassion, and hard work of our staff, students, and wider school community,” he added.
“We are proud to create an environment where every learner feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.”
These nominations build on the Trust’s growing profile within the sector. In both 2024 and 2025, our 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.
Educating Yorkshire’s Matthew Burton will host this year’s awards, which will take place on Thursday, 26 March at Old Billingsgate, London, during Education Business LIVE Conference and Exhibition.