The National Governance Association (NGA) has recognised 17 governing boards and governance professionals for their exceptional contribution to school and trust governance in England.
These outstanding individuals and boards were honoured in a prestigious ceremony at the House of Commons on Wednesday 17 September. Finalists also enjoyed afternoon tea and opportunities to network with sector leaders.
During the ceremony, NGA praised the exceptional work of all finalists, acknowledging the remarkable impact that they have on the lives of children and young people at their schools and trusts.
The event also featured a special address by Georgia Gould MP, Minister of State for School Standards at the Department for Education. In one of her first ministerial engagements, she paid tribute to the value of governance and the dedicated volunteers who make it effective.
This year’s ceremony featured the new visible governance award, which recognises a board, individual or organisation that has raised the profile of governance. This could be achieved through public engagement, transparency, or innovation.
Outstanding clerk to a governing board
- Winner: Amy Doody, Frithwood Primary School
- Winner: Cheryl Kuit, Highworth Grammar School
- Highly Commended: Lena Seed, The Norton Knatchbull School
Outstanding lead governance professional
- Winner: Sarah Lay, Co-op Academies Trust
- Highly Commended: Jill Cameron, Eko Trust
- Finalist: Andrea Richards, Thomas Deacon Education Trust
- Finalist: Jackie Nicholls, Saint John Southworth Catholic Academy Trust
- Finalist: Ruth Bradbury, Manchester City Council
Outstanding governance in a single school
- Winner: Benton Dene Primary School
- Chief Executive’s Award: Tealby School
- Highly Commended: Katherine Warington School
- Highly Commended: Snaith Primary School
Outstanding governance in a multi academy trust
- Winner: East Midlands Academy Trust
- Highly Commended: Exceed Learning Partnership
- Finalist: Accord Multi Academy Trust
- Finalist: Endeavour Learning Trust
- Finalist: Nexus Multi Academy Trust
Visible governance award
- Winner: Learn Sheffield
Emma Balchin, chief executive, NGA said:“Governors and trustees rarely seek recognition. Their focus is on shaping brighter futures for pupils and their vital contributions often go unseen.
“NGA’s Outstanding Governance Awards is a chance to celebrate their dedication and share excellent practice far and wide. At a time when education faces significant challenges, it is more important than ever to thank our volunteers and champion the role of governance.
“Our finalists remind us that governance is not only about preventing problems. It is a powerful force for positive change, helping to build strong, sustainable schools.
“I congratulate our winners and highly commended finalists and thank them for all they do to make a difference. I hope they take pride in their achievements and share them widely.”
Lawayne Jefferson, Chair of Trustees, NGA said:“I am immensely proud to recognise and celebrate the passion, expertise and determination shown by our finalists at the Outstanding Governance Awards.
“Each finalist shares an unwavering focus on what matters most - improving the lives of children and young people. Their work has not just strengthened the schools and trusts they serve but also set the standard for governance in the future.”
The Outstanding Governance Awards are the only national awards recognising the vital contributions of boards, governors, trustees and governance professionals. The biennial awards are one of NGA’s flagship events and showcase the very best examples in governance practice. Many of our finalists will be sharing their achievements and experiences in future editions of Governing Matters and other NGA publications.
