Academy trust with South Yorkshire schools shortlisted for ‘Trust of the Year’ for second year running

Nexus Multi Academy Trust (MAT) has been shortlisted in a ‘Trust of the Year’ category at the prestigious Tes Schools Awards 2026 – marking the second year in a row the Trust has been recognised at a national level.

Often referred to as the ‘Oscars of education’, the Tes Schools Awards celebrate the very best in schools and trusts across the UK.Nexus MAT supports pupils and staff across 4 schools in Nottinghamshire and 16 schools in South Yorkshire, including Crags Community School and Bader Academy in Doncaster.

The Tes ‘Trust of the Year’ award celebrates outstanding leadership, a strong commitment to staff, and a positive impact on pupil outcomes.

Nexus MAT has been named a finalist - for a second successive year in this category - in recognition of its focus on creating a positive, supportive working environment, alongside innovative approaches to tackling the national recruitment and retention challenge in education, and its continued commitment to improving outcomes for both pupils and staff.

This includes programmes to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), such as Enterprise Works and The Bridge - dedicated spaces helping young people develop skills and access employment opportunities in areas including hospitality, construction, health and fitness and e-sports.

Through these initiatives, students build relationships with employers, gain hands-on experience and achieve recognised qualifications, building their independence and preparing them for future careers.Nexus MAT also offers practical and progressive learning opportunities, providing learners with the opportunity to work in on-site cafés and access e-sports provision, helping to boost engagement and attendance.

Alongside its work with pupils, the Trust has placed staff wellbeing at the heart of its approach through its ‘Happiness Strategy’ and Staff Parliament, ensuring employees feel supported and valued.

Other initiatives to strengthen its workforce, include a staff bank, partnerships with universities and colleges, and a growing focus on apprenticeships.Nexus MAT’s commitment to inclusive employment is reflected in accreditations including the Care Leaver Covenant and Disability Confident employer scheme.

A combined focus on staff wellbeing, inclusive practice and strong leadership has led to consistently high levels of employee satisfaction and low staff turnover across the Trust. This stability benefits pupils, enabling them to build strong, trusting relationships with staff and receive high-quality, consistent support.

The winner of the Tes ‘Trust of the Year’ award will be announced at a gala awards ceremony in London on the 19th of June.

Reflecting on the Trust’s successive shortlisting, Warren Carratt, CEO of Nexus Multi Academy Trust, said:“This recognition belongs to the staff and pupils across our family of schools. Every day, our teams go above and beyond to support children and young people to achieve their potential, and it’s their dedication that makes a difference.

“We are proud of the inclusive, supportive environments our schools create, where pupils feel safe and able to thrive. To be shortlisted again is a reflection of that collective effort across the Trust.”