BWMAT celebrated on national stage for innovation
It was a real privilege to see BWMATFest recognised nationally last night at the NEDEx School and Trust Leadership Awards, where we were shortlisted as a finalist in the Outstanding Innovation Award category.
The awards, held in Milton Keynes, brought together trusts, schools and education partners from across the country for what was a fantastic event celebrating the very best of education. It was a great opportunity to reflect on the work happening across the sector and to share ideas with colleagues and organisations who are all striving to make a difference for children and young people.
The awards were presented by Gogglebox star Baasit Siddiqui who worked as a secondary school ICT and computing teacher for over a decade and now runs Siddiqui Education, delivering motivational workshops and programs for young people.
While we didn’t take home the award this time, I want to take a moment to congratulate Woodland Academy Trust, who were very worthy winners. Being named as a finalist alongside such strong national peers is something we should all be incredibly proud of.
This recognition builds on the momentum of last year, when we were honoured to be named Large Trust of the Year at the National MAT Awards in 2025. To be back on a national stage again reflects the consistency, ambition and collective effort across our Trust.
We were shortlisted for our BWMATFest, a real highlight of 2025. The festival was never designed to be just another 'education conference', it was about creating something genuinely different. Bringing together a large-scale, two-day education festival in the Somerset countryside was, at times, ambitious (and definitely a labour of love), but it resulted in something we can all take pride in.
At its heart was a simple idea: in a sector that is constantly evolving, innovation should make a real difference, not just in theory, but in the day-to-day experiences of our staff and, ultimately, the children we serve. BWMATFest brought that idea to life, creating a space filled with energy, creativity and collaboration, where colleagues could come together to share, learn and be inspired.
What stood out most was the sense of community, people talking, thinking differently, and reconnecting with why we do what we do. That is what made it so special, and why it was recognised at a national level.
Most importantly, this recognition belongs to everyone across the Trust. Events like BWMATFest don’t happen without the commitment, creativity and willingness of colleagues to try something new and make it work.
Looking ahead, this gives us real confidence and momentum as we plan for SWEdFest next year. If BWMATFest showed what is possible, SWEdFest gives us the opportunity to build on that and take it even further.
We should all be proud of what has been achieved, and excited about what comes next.