Keys Academies Trust has been shortlisted for the prestigious Tes Schools Awards 2026 in the Inclusive Trust of the Year category.

The Trust, that operates five academies across Peterborough, has been recognised for its unwavering commitment to inclusive education and its impact on pupils, families and the wider community.

Mr Howard Nelson, CEO at Keys Academies Trust, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to be shortlisted for Inclusive Trust of the Year. Inclusion is not just a value we talk about; it is lived and breathed every single day across all five of our academies.”

He added: “We have worked incredibly hard to ensure that every child, regardless of their background or needs, feels valued, supported and able to thrive. To have that work recognised on a national stage is a proud moment for our whole trust community, and a true reflection of the incredible dedication of our staff and the wonderful young people and families we are privileged to serve across Peterborough. It only motivates us to keep pushing further."

Mrs Jude Macdonald, Director of Inclusion, Keys Academies Trust said: "Every child deserves to attend their nearest local school, and our work at Keys Academies Trust is proving that with the right systems, training and vision, even pupils with the most complex needs can thrive in mainstream education. By developing our high needs classrooms and investing in our incredible support staff, we've been able to keep more pupils with complex needs in mainstream, reducing the need for them to access special school places. This isn't just inclusion on paper; it is inclusion embedded in the everyday life of our schools."

Since 2009, the Tes Schools Awards have celebrated the achievements of school staff and institutions across the UK. Free to enter, they bring together state and independent schools from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland in one inclusive national event, recognising excellence across the education sector.

The awards shine a spotlight on the outstanding work taking place across schools, celebrating the individuals and teams making a meaningful impact on pupils, staff and their wider communities. This year’s awards are supported by Cloud Technology Partner, Amazon Web Services, which will sponsor the ‘Best Use of Technology’ category, recognising schools driving innovation across teaching and learning.

The shortlist was selected by a panel of expert judges, including experienced school leaders and education specialists. This year’s awards feature 23 categories spanning all areas of school life, from leadership and teaching to pupil outcomes and wellbeing.

Two new categories have been introduced for 2026 - Teacher Development of the Year and Pupil Enrichment School of the Year - reflecting the growing importance of both staff development and a well-rounded student experience.

Rod Williams, CEO of Tes, commented: “This year’s shortlist showcases the exceptional standard of entries across the Tes Schools Awards, reflecting the breadth of impact being delivered in UK education. Each category highlights schools and individuals who are not only driving meaningful change within their own settings but also setting a benchmark for the wider sector. The Tes Schools Awards are designed to recognise and elevate this work, celebrating those making a measurable difference to pupils, staff and communities across the UK – and with a record number of nominations received this year, it clearly reinforces the strength and impact being delivered across the UK education sector.”

This year’s awards will be hosted by award-winning comedian, writer and presenter Katherine Ryan, with winners announced at a gala ceremony on 19th June at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London. View the full shortlist here: www.tes.com/schools-awards/uk