The awards ceremony took place in London on Thursday 11 June 2026.

Exceed Academies Trust is delighted to announce that it has been named the winner of the Transformation and Impact Award 2026 at the Optimus Education MAT Excellence Awards.

This national recognition reflects the Trust’s sustained commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people through inclusive, high-quality education, strong collaboration and a clear focus on long-term improvement.

Judges praised the Trust for its “relentless focus on raising standards, supporting diverse communities, and investing in staff and estates,” and recognised the strong culture across its schools. They highlighted the Trust’s track record of successful school improvement and the positive impact on pupils, staff and the wider community.

At the heart of this work is a shared commitment to ensuring that every pupil, regardless of background or need, has access to a high-quality education and the opportunity to succeed.

“We are absolutely delighted to receive this award. It is a real testament to the dedication, expertise and commitment of our staff across the Trust, who work tirelessly every day to make a difference to the lives of our pupils and their families.”

Duncan Jacques CBE, Chief Executive Officer

This achievement reflects the collective efforts of staff, leaders and partners across the Trust, and reinforces its ongoing focus on collaboration, innovation and delivering high-quality education for all.

Find out more about our work: Explore Exceed Academies Trust