Nothing energises more than connection. Colleagues and peers that have shared purpose. A joint celebration instead of competition, promoting outcomes and genuine collaboration.
School trusts are operating in an increasingly complex environment. Financial pressures are growing, SEND provision remains a significant challenge, workforce development is critical, and leaders are being asked to navigate rapid technological change while continuing to improve outcomes for pupils.
No single trust has all the answers.
Yet across the sector, there is an enormous amount of knowledge, experience and innovation already being generated. The challenge is making sure that this learning is shared.
When the Optimus Education MAT Excellence Awards were first established in 2023, supported by CST, we agreed there were to be two main driving forces: celebration and collaboration. Both are equally important and cannot supersede each other.
In that first year we welcomed 46 trusts to the awards ceremony across 12 categories. Since then, our judging team has grown to more than 50 sector experts, covering all aspects of trust quality.
In 2023 we received 91 submissions, rising to 317 in 2026. More than 80 trusts were shortlisted across 18 categories, and attended to connect, discuss and celebrate.
"Winning the national MAT Excellence Award for SEND provision was incredibly special. It truly feels like a win for everyone, as inclusion is always built through the collective effort, commitment and care of many people working together across our trust. It was particularly powerful to see Grace, one of our dedicated and talented SENCOs, having the opportunity to join the event to receive the award on behalf of ATT. It's a real testament to the work our SENCOs do every day to ensure that pupils with SEND are understood, supported and able to thrive. Our wider team will be absolutely delighted. This recognition means a great deal to colleagues across ATT who work tirelessly to give our learners both the roots and the wings to succeed."
Academy Transformation Trust, winners of the SEND award (13+ schools) 2026
From recognition to reflection
So, what happens when we stop thinking of excellence as something to simply recognise, and start thinking of it as something to share?
The value goes beyond recognition. Preparing a submission provides an opportunity to reflect on achievements, evaluate what has been learned, and identify insights to inform future decisions.
It brings together trusts facing remarkably similar challenges in very different contexts – creating opportunities to share ideas and learn from others’ journeys, lessons and experiences.
A strong submission asks: What did we change? What evidence do we have? What difference did it make? What did we learn?
The strongest organisations aren't those that never encounter problems, but those that learn, adapt and share what works.
So, what makes a MAT Excellence Award winner?
While every category is different, the strongest submissions consistently demonstrate four things:
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Quantifiable impact and evidence: Judges look for clear proof that actions have delivered measurable, positive and sustainable change – not simply a polished submission.
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Innovation: Business as usual won't solve every challenge. Strong submissions show how trusts have challenged existing approaches, found new solutions, or improved the way they achieve an important outcome.
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Place-based partnerships: Strong submissions demonstrate the impact of trusts' work on pupils, staff, families, and the wider communities they serve.
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Professional generosity and system leadership: The strongest trusts don’t work in isolation. They share knowledge, collaborate and help others understand what was successful, what wasn’t, and what could be applied elsewhere.
Excellence isn't just about what worked, but helping others learn from your journey, complementing the ethos of these awards.
From competition to contribution
There will always be a place for recognition and healthy competition. Celebrating excellent work matters, particularly in a sector where the scale of the challenge can sometimes overshadow the progress being made.
Recognition cannot, however, be the end point. The value of the work increases when others can learn from it through professional generosity.
"Beyond the well-deserved celebrations, the ceremony provided a fantastic space to network, exchange ideas, and truly connect with peers across the sector. Your hard work in shining a spotlight on the dedication of trust leaders and educators is deeply appreciated, and it was an absolute privilege to be a part of it."
LEO Academy Trust, winners of the Staff development award (1-12 schools), Wellbeing trust of the year and SEND award (1-12 schools) 2026.
The two initial driving forces of celebration and collaboration remain as the core message for the awards. Each year we’ve seen more and more impact and innovation with every new trust nomination. The celebration has driven connection, and the connection has driven progress.
Share your story in 2027
The MAT Excellence Awards 2027 will once again bring the sector together to recognise and celebrate the trusts, teams and individuals making a genuine difference.
"Attending the MAT Excellence Awards ceremony was an incredibly inspiring experience, filled with a palpable sense of celebration and a shared purpose. It provided a fantastic opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and speak with fellow trust leaders and educators who are passionately driving positive outcomes for pupils across the sector."
MAT Excellence 2026 Attendee
Nominations for the 2027 awards close on 16 November 2026. Visit the awards website to enter the awards and celebrate your trust's work across the past year.
- Rhys Edwards is Lead Producer at Optimus Education. Optimus Education organise the MAT Excellence Awards, supported by CST.
We welcome perspectives from a diverse range of guest contributors. The opinions expressed in blogs are the views of the author(s), and should not be read as CST guidance or CST’s position.
