Meridian Trust has been shortlisted for one of the country’s top education honours, the ‘Large MAT of the Year’ award at the 2026 MAT Excellence Awards. The national event, hosted by Optimus Education, celebrates the achievements of the UK’s leading multi-academy trusts and will take place on Thursday 18th June at the Royal National Hotel, London.
The shortlisting recognises Meridian Trust’s impact across its 35 schools in Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Lincolnshire and Peterborough, where it supports nearly 20,000 pupils. Judges commended the Trust’s strong sense of moral purpose and its commitment to ensuring that every child and member of staff is known, valued and supported to reach their potential.
Meridian Trust’s nomination showcased a breadth of work that reflects both consistency and innovation. Its schools share a common set of values that shape everything from classroom practice to leadership development. The Trust’s PLEDGES programme, for instance, encourages students to take part in creative, environmental and community activities alongside their academic studies, while the Reading Charter and Meridian Pathways initiatives promote literacy and meaningful careers guidance for all pupils.
The Trust also invests heavily in professional development through its Meridian Learning platform and its partnership with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Teaching School Hub, which provides training and qualifications for thousands of teachers and support staff each year. The Trust’s focus on sustainability, with significant investment in renewable energy and decarbonisation projects, also demonstrates a forward-looking approach to education.
Mark Woods, Chief Executive of Meridian Trust, said: “We’re delighted to be named among the finalists for MAT of the Year. This is recognition of the combined efforts of every hard-working individual and school within our Trust. Everyone – from teachers to leaders to support colleagues – works together with a shared purpose and long-standing values; to provide education that changes lives and strengthens the communities we serve.”
The final winners of the MAT Excellence Awards will be announced on 18th June, when trusts from across the country will gather in London to celebrate success and share the latest in educational best practice.