Celebrating the LiFE MAT Values Awards 2026
You may have seen that we ended the 2025/26 academic year on a high. On the 2nd July we celebrated our inaugural Trust Values Awards. For the first time, we came together to recognise individuals and teams from across our family of schools and education provisions who have exemplified our Trust values through their work over the past year.
Colleagues from across the Trust were invited to nominate anyone at any level whose actions reflected our shared commitment to making a difference. The nominations were reviewed by a panel of Trustees and leaders from across the Trust, resulting in a shortlist of 52 outstanding individuals and teams.
From that shortlist emerged six worthy winners. While we will be showcasing each of our winners in more detail in the coming weeks, we would like to celebrate every nominee whose commitment, care and dedication help bring our values to life every day.
Our Trust Values
Our awards were built around the five values that underpin everything we do:
- Nobody is successful unless we are all successful
- We are a responsibility first, not an accountability first organisation
- Pay first attention to the most vulnerable
- What is vital for some is valuable for all
- Everyone belongs, everyone thrives
The Awards
VALUE 1: Nobody is successful unless we are all successful
These nominees have demonstrated a commitment to working beyond individual roles by building strong partnerships, sharing practice as well as ensuring success is achieved together across the Trust.
Winner: Vicky Johnson
Vicky provides exceptional support to SENDCOs and school leaders across the Trust. Through her expertise, calm approach, and leadership of reading and inclusion initiatives, she continually helps colleagues develop their practice while improving outcomes for all learners.
Nominees
Nicholas Rigby
Nick has been recognised for leading the Embedding Formative Assessment (EFA) project, bringing colleagues together to improve teaching through collaboration, peer observations, and shared reflection. His leadership has strengthened practice across The Winstanley School and the SHINE Centre, while also supporting other LiFE schools to embed the programme and promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
Paul Newman
Paul has strengthened collaboration across the Trust’s Catering Team, creating a culture where colleagues willingly support one another to ensure every kitchen operates successfully. Through his commitment to quality, efficiency, and teamwork, he has helped improve outcomes for both staff and schools across the Trust.
Conor Woolman
Conor is recognised for his unwavering willingness to support colleagues and contribute to their development. Even while covering additional responsibilities during staff absence, he consistently goes above and beyond to help others succeed.
Laura Carr
Laura’s enthusiasm and dedication have had a significant impact on the Dove Bank community. From organising school discos and running the increasingly popular Play and Stay sessions to securing projects that improve the school environment, she continually creates opportunities that enrich children’s experiences.
Kirt Richardson
Kirt consistently goes above and beyond in supporting Ashby School, Ivanhoe School, and other Trust schools remotely. Whether repairing equipment, developing new systems, or supporting events outside normal working hours, he is always ready to help colleagues across the Trust.
Dale George
Dale is recognised for her outstanding support of colleagues and her proactive approach to school improvement. Her open-door approach, willingness to share her expertise across the Trust, and constant drive to improve systems make her an invaluable colleague.
Coral Atkins
Coral is an exceptional colleague who continually supports and develops others within her faculty. Through leading CPD, mentoring less experienced staff, and sharing high-quality resources, she empowers colleagues while maintaining the highest standards.
Amy Brennan
Amy has been recognised for stepping into the leadership of the PE Subject Community Group and supporting the development of PE across LiFE secondary schools. She has taken on this responsibility with enthusiasm, sharing her expertise for the benefit of colleagues and students across the Trust.
Sarah Nelson
Sarah is recognised for her tireless commitment to supporting colleagues through coaching, modelling excellent practice, and building confidence in others. Beyond her role, she also leads community initiatives that strengthen relationships between the school and the wider community.
Hannah Goodall
Hannah is always the first to volunteer her support and embraces every opportunity to help her colleagues. Her creativity, willingness to share innovative resources, and positive influence make a lasting difference to her department every day.
Alison Brewster
Alison consistently goes above and beyond to support both Bosworth Academy and colleagues across the Trust. Whether through examinations or data support, she generously shares her expertise and time to ensure others are successful, making collaboration central to everything she does.
Naomi Grant
Naomi has made a significant contribution to Year 6 mathematics by working closely with teachers to identify learning gaps and misconceptions. Her direct support for pupils has reduced class sizes and enabled children to receive more targeted teaching, leading to improved outcomes.
Madeleine Chadwick
Maddie has worked closely with colleagues at Kingsway to improve outcomes in reading and writing for Years 5 and 6. Through expert coaching, guidance, and unwavering support, she has strengthened teaching practice and made a significant difference to both staff confidence and pupil achievement.
Brook Foulsham
Brook continually creates opportunities that enrich students’ experiences beyond the classroom. From organising international trips and careers events to leading initiatives that tackle important social issues, he demonstrates an exceptional commitment to students’ personal development.
Jason Finn
Jason has been nominated for an inspiring Year 7 physical theatre project that placed collaboration, creativity, and shared success at its heart. His approach enabled every student to contribute with confidence, resulting in a powerful celebration of teamwork and collective achievement.
Emma Eathorne Rutt
Emma is an incredibly supportive colleague who always puts others first. Her willingness to share her time, expertise, and encouragement enables colleagues to succeed, and her wholehearted commitment to teamwork makes a lasting impact on everyone she works with.
LiFE MAT Food & Nutrition Teachers
Karen Rawlings, Rakhee Jargivan, Sarah Derry, Laura Harrold, Michelle Taylor, Clare Thomas, Claire Brockhouse, Anna Hewitt, Sandra Skidmore, Kathryn Felstead
The Food & Nutrition Subject Community has created an outstanding collaborative network across the Trust. By sharing resources, moderating together, supporting one another professionally and personally, and continually improving teaching practice, the team exemplifies the power of collaboration.
VALUE 2: We are a responsibility first, not an accountability first organisation
These nominees have demonstrated strong ethical decision-making and a commitment to doing the right thing, even in challenging situations. They consistently take initiative without being asked, support colleagues and students when difficulties arise, and contribute positively beyond their individual roles.
Winner: Timothy Gartside
Tim has been recognised for leading the Model United Nations trip to India during the Autumn term. Despite already carrying significant responsibilities, he willingly took on this project at short notice, recognising its value and the positive impact it would have on students. His commitment and willingness to go above and beyond exemplify outstanding dedication.
Nominees
Leander Mason
Leander consistently leads by doing the right thing, approaching every challenge with integrity, determination, and professionalism. Although much of her work takes place behind the scenes, her commitment ensures the school runs effectively while providing invaluable support to both staff and students.
Conor Woolman
Conor is recognised for his strong sense of responsibility and integrity in supporting colleagues through challenging situations. He is always willing to deal with issues directly, providing timely support and having difficult conversations when needed, while consistently demonstrating care, respect, and professionalism without seeking recognition.
Brooke Keating-Rogers
Brook is an exceptional role model who leads with empathy, integrity, and compassion. By setting realistic expectations and supporting colleagues to feel valued, even when it increases their own workload, Brook creates a positive and inclusive environment where everyone can contribute and succeed.
Jonathan Hayes
Jon consistently demonstrates professionalism, integrity, and responsibility in every aspect of school life. Through careful planning, high expectations, and positive role modelling, he creates an environment where students thrive while inspiring those around him through his reliability and commitment.
Hester Thraves
Hester has been recognised for her exceptional dedication to supporting children with special educational needs within the Early Years Foundation Stage. Drawing on over 15 years of experience, she uses her expertise, patience, and innovative approaches to ensure every child receives the support they need, even in challenging circumstances, making a lasting difference to their learning and development.
VALUE 3: Pay first attention to the most vulnerable
These nominees consistently show compassion and put the needs of the most vulnerable first. They recognise when students or colleagues need additional support, respond quickly and thoughtfully, and help create an inclusive and caring environment across the Trust.
Joint Winners: Louise Driver and Zena Strange
Louise Driver
Louise is dedicated to ensuring every student has access to a high-quality education tailored to their individual needs. Through adapting learning resources, supporting students with additional needs, promoting wellbeing, and mentoring colleagues, she consistently demonstrates exceptional care and commitment.
Zena Strange
Zena has made a remarkable contribution to improving outcomes for Year 6 pupils in mathematics and writing. She tirelessly advocates for all children, particularly those with additional needs, while providing invaluable support to teaching staff and helping to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed.
Nominees
Laura Smith
Laura has been recognised for her dedication in guiding and supporting students across the LELP PREP groups. Through her encouragement, care, and commitment, she helps students develop confidence and achieve their full potential.
Joanna Shields
Jo is a passionate advocate for some of our most vulnerable young people. She invests her time, care, and energy to ensure every student feels heard, valued, and supported as they take important steps towards becoming successful learners.
Kinga Bartosz
Kinga consistently puts the needs of vulnerable students first, ensuring every child is treated fairly and with compassion. She is a strong advocate for those who struggle to express themselves, always stepping forward to provide support whenever it is needed.
Suzann Miller
Suzann has been recognised for running the Evolve provision and making a significant impact on student attendance and engagement. Her commitment has created positive outcomes for students by providing the support they need to succeed.
Vicky Colclough
Although new to the team, Vicky has quickly built strong relationships with some of the school’s most vulnerable children. By using effective strategies such as circuit breaks and brain breaks, she has created a supportive environment that enables pupils to thrive.
Diane Wright
Diane has made an outstanding difference through her personalised reading interventions, helping struggling readers develop the confidence and fluency needed to access the wider curriculum. Her expertise and dedication have had a lasting impact on students’ learning.
Rachel Grimadell
Rachel is recognised for her unwavering commitment to ensuring that SEND and Pupil Premium students are fully supported and prepared for practical learning activities. Her thoughtful planning helps ensure that every student can participate confidently and successfully.
Caroline Warlow
Caroline provides exceptional care and unwavering support for students with SEND. Through her compassionate advocacy, particularly during examinations, she ensures every student receives the adjustments and support they need, always placing their wellbeing and success at the heart of her work.
VALUE 4: What is vital for some is valuable for all
These nominees have introduced thoughtful and inclusive ways of working that support individual needs while positively impacting others across the Trust. By adapting practice, sharing ideas, and creating effective support systems, they help improve experiences for both students and colleagues.
Winner: Annabel Fisher
Annabel has been recognised for championing the use of widgets to support learning and vocabulary development. Through sharing her expertise and giving her time to train colleagues, she has inspired wider adoption of this approach, raising expectations and enhancing learning across the year group and beyond.
Nominees
Leroy Scrimshire
Leroy has been recognised for his dedication, passion, and drive in successfully launching the Genesis provision. His commitment has already made a significant difference in strengthening the sense of belonging, inclusion, and support for some of our most vulnerable learners.
Nathan Williams
Nathan has embraced his new role as SENDCO with enthusiasm and determination. He has worked tirelessly to embed the principle that supporting pupils with SEND is everyone’s responsibility, aligning teaching, learning, and leadership to ensure every learner receives the support they need.
Alexa Hunt
Alexa consistently demonstrates creativity and innovation by finding practical solutions to everyday challenges. Through designing effective systems and processes, she has made a positive difference for both students and staff, improving efficiency and supporting the smooth running of the school.
Sarah Nelson
Sarah is recognised for her tireless commitment to teaching and learning and improving outcomes for every student. She continually seeks to develop her own practice, listens to staff feedback, simplifies processes where possible, and leads by example, always striving to ensure every learner is supported and encouraged to achieve their full potential.
VALUE 5: Everyone belongs, everyone thrives
These nominees help create an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone feels respected and able to succeed. They adapt their approach to meet different needs, promote fairness, and make sure students and colleagues across the Trust have equal access to opportunities and support.
Winner: Race Equity Group
Members: Sophie Williams, Nisha Durgai, Kat Morris, Vijay Majithia, Kofo Ajetunmobi, Laura Carr, Emma Boussida, Sanchita Chaudhary, Chelsea Moran, Jason Finn, Nora Gyimah, Sylvia Cole, Alpesh Modi, Radika Langston, Germaine McKinnon.
The Race Equity Group was recognised for its actions, regular meetings, and the way it promotes equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of origin or skin colour. This is especially important as individuals from different backgrounds can often feel vulnerable. The group’s consistent support is outstanding and strongly reflects the Trust’s values that everyone is equal and that no one should ever face discrimination because of their origin. Raising awareness is extremely important in helping people see things from different perspectives, and that is exactly what the Race Equity Group promotes every day.
Nominees
The Pastoral Team at The Winstanley School
Amy Turner, Grant Turner, Joanne Chambers, Rebecca Clarke, Andrew Harston, Lucas Taylor, Leroy Scrimshire, Jacqueline Sutton, Jason Scrimshire, Stephen Bratt, Jordan Reek, Ruth Gladwin.
The Pastoral Team has been recognised for the exceptional care, compassion, and support they provide to students every day. Their dedication helps create a calm, safe, and inclusive environment where every learner has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
Kerry Challinor
Kerry has been recognised for her commitment to ensuring that every Sixth Form student feels included and valued. By creating a wide range of opportunities for students to develop their talents and showcase their skills, she has fostered a strong sense of belonging and achievement.
Sian Brockway
Sian has worked tirelessly to strengthen student leadership across the school. By establishing a range of ambassador groups focused on areas such as environmental sustainability, anti-racism, and LGBTQ+ inclusion, she has empowered students to lead meaningful change within the school community.
Suzann Miller
Suzann has been recognised for her leadership of the Evolve provision, providing outstanding support for some of the school’s most vulnerable students. Her dedication has created a positive and nurturing environment that enables students to engage, attend, and succeed.
Edward Booth
Edward is recognised for his commitment to promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion throughout the school. As a champion of both diversity and the REAL LiFE curriculum, he continually encourages students to embrace respect, understanding, and belonging.
Liane Davies
Liane is recognised for her unwavering commitment to supporting every child as an individual. Through tailored interventions, trusted relationships, and leading groups such as Pride, Book Club, Model United Nations, and Young Carers, she has created opportunities for students to feel supported, included, and valued.
Samantha Richardson
Sam creates a welcoming and inclusive classroom where every student feels valued, respected, and encouraged to succeed. Through a calm and supportive approach, carefully adapted lessons, and a genuine commitment to removing barriers to learning, Sam enables every learner to flourish.
David Ball
David has been recognised for creating a culture where every student feels they belong and can thrive. By sharing his own experiences, supporting vulnerable learners, and leading with compassion both inside and outside the classroom, he has made a lasting impact on students’ confidence, wellbeing, and personal growth.
Joanna Murrel
Jo has been recognised for creating safe, welcoming spaces where students who may be struggling feel supported, listened to, and able to succeed. Her care and compassion make a meaningful difference to the wellbeing of those she supports.
Fiona McCafferty
Fiona has led a significant shift in the school’s understanding of disadvantage, championing the belief that supporting disadvantaged students is everyone’s responsibility. Her work has influenced curriculum, professional development, school culture, and parental engagement, ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to succeed.
Harry Ryan
Harry has been recognised for the empathy and understanding he brings to supporting students with ADHD. Drawing on his own experiences, he helps students feel understood while also supporting colleagues in developing inclusive classroom practices, demonstrating maturity and leadership early in his career.
Stacy Cooper
Stacy has been recognised for her outstanding pastoral leadership and unwavering commitment to student wellbeing. Through strong relationships, active listening, collaboration with local partners, and her dedication to promoting inclusion and student voice, she creates a supportive environment where every student feels heard, valued, and empowered to succeed both academically and personally.