Celebrating Excellence in Governance: Finalists Announced for NGA’s Outstanding Governance Awards 2025

The National Governance Association (NGA) is proud to reveal the finalists for the Outstanding Governance Awards 2025, our flagship celebration of exemplary school and trust governance in England.

Taking place on Wednesday, 17^th September at the House of Commons, this biennial event will honour individuals and governing boards whose commitment, leadership and impact have stood out nationally.

Finalists have been invited to a prestigious awards ceremony at the Houses of Parliament, where the winners and runners-up will be announced, celebrated and presented with their awards. Guests will enjoy an afternoon tea with drinks, providing opportunities to network with industry leaders. The event will also feature a special address by Catherine McKinnell MP, Minister of State for School Standards, celebrating the value of governance and the people who make it work.

This year’s event also introduces the new Visible Governance Award, recognising a board, individual or organisation that has raised the profile of governance through public engagement, transparency or innovation.

Finalists

Outstanding clerk to a governing board

Amy Doody, Frithwood Primary School

Cheryl Kuit, Highworth Grammar School

Lena Seed, The Norton Knatchbull School

Outstanding lead governance professional

Andrea Richards, Thomas Deacon Education Trust

Jackie Nicholls, Saint John Southwork Catholic Academy

Jill Cameron, Eko Trust

Ruth Bradbury, Manchester City Council

Sarah Lay, Co-op Academies Trust

Outstanding governance in a single school

Benton Dene Primary School

Katherine Warington School

Snaith Primary School

Tealby School

Outstanding governance in a multi academy trust

Accord Multi Academy Trust

East Midlands Academy Trust

Endeavour Learning Trust

Exceed Learning Partnership

Nexus Multi Academy Trust

Sam Henson, Deputy Chief Exectuive, NGA, said:
“Congratulations to all our finalists. It will be a privilege to gather with education leaders, policymakers and governance colleagues to honour their exceptional dedication to the highest standards of governance across schools and trusts. At a time when the education sector faces significant challenges, it is more important than ever to shine a light on excellence, sharing and celebrating the very best in governance practice. As schools and trusts continue to navigate a number of concerns and challenges, it is important that we celebrate and share the very best examples in governance practice, ensuring that the crucial role that governing boards can play in providing the best possible education for children and young people remains in the spotlight.”