Leaders from Meridian Trust proudly joined the country’s top multi-academy trusts at the annual Multi Academy Trust (MAT) Excellence Awards held in London on 11th June.
The prestigious MAT Excellence Awards celebrate the achievements of the UK’s leading multi-academy trusts (MATs), highlighting the difference they make for students, staff and the wider community.
Meridian Trust was shortlisted for the Large MAT of the Year award, one of the highest honours a multi-academy trust can receive.
While the Trust did not win on the night, being named as a contender for the award is an achievement that recognises its impact on its 36 schools and nearly 20,000 pupils across Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Lincolnshire and Peterborough.
Mark Woods, Chief Executive Officer of Meridian Trust, said: “To be shortlisted for Large MAT of the Year is a significant honour and recognition of the collective efforts of colleagues, trustees and academy councillors across Meridian Trust.
“We accept this recognition with humility, knowing there is always more to learn and more we can do to support the young people and communities we serve. Our focus remains on providing the very best education and opportunities for every pupil, and this acknowledgement reflects the dedication, professionalism and collaboration of staff across all our schools.”
Shirley Jamieson, Chair of Trustees at Meridian Trust, said: “I am incredibly proud to see the Trust recognised on a national stage. Under strong leadership, our Trust has continued to go from strength to strength, building on a legacy of excellence while remaining firmly focused on delivering the very best outcomes for our young people.”
Representing the Trust at the awards were Deputy CEO Lesley Birch, Executive Principals Richard Spencer, Helen Lorimer and Sarah Wilson, Assistant Principal Neil Wilson, Director of HR Amanda Cooper and Chair of Trustees Shirley Jamieson, and Vice Chair of Trustees David Ruddy.
Central to the Trust’s nomination is its commitment to embedding its core values across every school. These include Extending the Boundaries of Learning, Achievement for All, Pursuit of Excellence, Valuing People and providing a High-Quality Learning Environment.
More than 8,000 pupils took part in the Trust’s PLEDGES programme last academic year, which offers students a range of character-building opportunities, such as residential trips, and the 33 Trust-led events held across member schools last academic year. The Reading Charter and Meridian Pathways initiatives support students with their academic success, promoting literacy and meaningful careers guidance, while Meridian House ensures students at risk of exclusion are properly supported.
The progress and development of staff members is equally important for Meridian Trust, with the Meridian Learning platform providing professional development training sessions for over 2,500 colleagues in 2024 and 2025. The Trust also embodies a forward-thinking approach to education, focusing heavily on sustainability and investing in both renewable energy and decarbonisation projects.
