Canonium Learning Trust Named Trust of the Year at the 2025 Tes Schools Awards

Canonium Learning Trust is proud to announce that it has been awarded Trust of the Year (9 Schools or Fewer) at the prestigious Tes Schools Awards 2025, a national recognition celebrating the very best in UK education. The awards, now in their 17th year, are widely regarded as the ‘Oscars of Education’ and honour the extraordinary dedication, innovation, and leadership demonstrated by schools, educators, and school trusts across the country.

The announcement was made at a glamorous gala evening on Friday, 20th June 2025, at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London. Hosted by comedian Tom Allen, Canonium Learning Trust was celebrated for its “visionary and collaborative approach” and “exceptional leadership of small schools.” The awards ceremony brought together sector leaders, educators, and experts, with Canonium’s win standing out among the evening’s distinguished winners.

A Family of Schools with a Big Impact

Canonium Learning Trust’s journey began with Kelvedon St Mary’s CofE Primary Academy and has since grown into a close-knit family of schools across rural Essex. Despite the challenges faced by smaller schools, particularly in rural communities, Canonium has chosen to invest in revitalising learning environments, boosting nursery provision, and increasing school admissions rather than scaling back. This strategy ensures that each school in the Trust remains a vital community hub, fostering educational excellence and growth for children, staff, and the wider community.

The Trust’s unique approach to collaboration and curriculum planning ensures that each school within the family thrives while preserving its individuality. Canonium’s focus on continuous improvement has led to every school inspected since joining the Trust being rated ‘Good’ or better by Ofsted. Moreover, pupil outcomes across the Trust consistently match or exceed national averages, a testament to the collective effort of staff, governors, and families.

Embracing Innovation and Well-Being

Canonium has made strides in innovative educational practice, notably through the implementation of its “Pink Tower” strategy, which draws inspiration from Montessori principles. This evidence-based approach has successfully reduced exclusions and persistent absence rates across the Trust’s schools, helping create a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.

The well-being of staff is another priority for Canonium. Staff members are encouraged to share ideas for improvement, help shape more effective working practices, and, importantly, take care of their mental and physical health. The Trust’s commitment to staff well-being and collaborative culture has fostered a positive and engaged workforce, enabling everyone to give their best for the children in their care.

A Moment of Celebration and Gratitude

Commenting on the recognition, Lois Osborne, CEO of Canonium Learning Trust, said:
“We’re incredibly proud to receive this award. It recognises the hard work and commitment of our staff, governors, families, and most of all, our children. At Canonium, we are relentless in our drive to give every child the very best education possible, no matter the size or setting of the school. This award highlights the strength of our rural communities and what we can achieve when we work together. Thank you to the Tes School Awards panel for this recognition.”

Andy Hayman, Chair of the Canonium Trust Board, added:
“This award is a remarkable testament to the collective effort across Canonium. It reflects the high standards, strong values, and deep connections that define our Trust. It is a proud moment for every person associated with us. We remain committed to providing the best possible education and opportunities for every child we serve. We are grateful to the Tes judges for acknowledging our work.”

Looking Ahead

Canonium Learning Trust is proud of its growing family of schools, which now includes:

• Kelvedon St Mary’s CofE Primary Academy (Kelvedon)

• Tolleshunt D’Arcy St Nicholas Primary Academy (Maldon)

• Finchingfield St John the Baptist Primary Academy (Braintree)

• Stisted Primary Academy (Braintree)

• St Andrew’s Primary Academy (Marks Tey)

• Ardleigh St Mary’s Primary Academy (Ardleigh)

• St Michael’s Primary Academy (Ramsey, formerly Two-Village Harwich)

• Stourview Primary Academy (Mistley, formerly Mistley Norman)

• East Hanningfield Primary Academy (Chelmsford)

• Langham Primary Academy (Langham, Colchester)

• St Peter’s Primary Academy (West Hanningfield, Chelmsford)

• Woodham Walter Primary Academy (Woodham Walter, Maldon)

As Canonium continues to grow, the Trust remains deeply committed to providing exceptional education that enables every child to flourish, regardless of background or the size of the school.

About Canonium Learning Trust

Founded in 2013, Canonium Learning Trust is a charitable multi-academy trust serving communities across Essex. Its growing family of primary schools shares a deep commitment to providing every child with the best possible start in life. Guided by its core values of opportunity, challenge, and integrity, Canonium aims to create enriching environments where children flourish, and staff are empowered to make a difference every day.

About the Tes Schools Awards

The Tes Schools Awards celebrate excellence in education across the UK. With 23 categories, the awards recognise the outstanding achievements of schools, trusts, and educators in every corner of the education sector. The Tes Schools Awards highlight the commitment, quality, and innovation of the best educators and institutions in the UK.

For more information about Canonium Learning Trust, visit www.canonium.org.

You can read about all the 2025 winners here: www.tes.com/schools-awards/uk/winners/2025