EdStart schools short-listed for top education award
EdStart Schools, a specialist provider of SEND and alternative provision education in Oldham, Greater Manchester, and Merseyside, has been shortlisted for the Inclusive Trust of the Year award at the 2025 Tes Schools Awards. The nomination recognizes their outstanding work in supporting students with special educational needs and disabilities, as well as social, emotional, or mental health challenges. EdStart is praised for its inclusive approach, small class sizes, and zero NEET rate, ensuring all students progress to further education, training, or employment.
EdStart Schools, which runs specialist SEND and alternative-provision centres across Oldham, Greater Manchester and Merseyside, has reached the final three for the 2025 Tes Schools Awards’ Inclusive Trust of the Year title - the education sector’s annual “Oscars”.
The shortlisting recognises the trust’s work with teenagers who have been excluded or disengaged from mainstream schools because of special educational needs, disabilities or social, emotional and mental-health difficulties.
Smaller classes, one-to-one key workers and on-site wellbeing teams have helped every leaver move on to college, training or a job, giving EdStart a zero NEET record for Year 11 leavers.
Chief executive James Lowe said: “We’re thrilled to be shortlisted for this award. It reflects the extraordinary dedication of our team and the resilience of our young people. We believe every student deserves a second chance and the opportunity to succeed - regardless of their background, challenges or past experiences. At EdStart, we work hard to create a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment where every young person feels seen, heard and supported. We don’t just focus on academic progress - we care deeply about wellbeing, confidence, and helping our students feel like they belong. To have that approach recognised at a national level is a real honour, and it motivates us to keep doing even more.”
Tes Magazine editor Jon Severs said the awards had received “incredible entries” this year. Winners will be revealed at a gala at the Grosvenor Hotel on Park Lane, London, on 20 June.
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