BWMAT schools praised by Secretary of State for exceptional outcomes for disadvantaged pupils
Four schools within the Bath and Wells Multi Academy Trust (BWMAT) have received national recognition from the Secretary of State for Education for their outstanding work supporting disadvantaged pupils.
Holy Trinity, St Andrew’s Church School (Bath), St Georges Church School, and St Mark’s Church School were each praised for the exceptional outcomes achieved by their disadvantaged pupils at the end of the 2024–25 academic year, placing them among the very best schools nationally for this measure.
In a letter to the schools, Secretary of State for Education Bridget Phillipson congratulated staff and pupils on their success, describing it as a “significant achievement” and highlighting the dedication, ambition and commitment that underpin the results. She also encouraged the schools to continue sharing their effective practice as system leaders through the government’s new Regional Improvement for Standards and Excellence (RISE) programme.
The recognition reflects BWMAT’s long‑standing commitment to inclusion, equity and high expectations for every child, regardless of background. Across the trust, schools work collaboratively to ensure disadvantaged pupils are supported both academically and emotionally, enabling them to thrive.
Nikki Edwards, Chief Executive Officer of Bath and Wells Multi Academy Trust, said:
“We are delighted to offer our sincere congratulations to Holy Trinity, St Andrew’s Bath, St Georges and St Mark’s on the exceptional outcomes their disadvantaged pupils achieved at the end of the 2024–25 academic year. To have their success recognised nationally by the Secretary of State is an outstanding accomplishment, and one that reflects the remarkable work taking place across these school communities.
“This achievement reflects the unwavering commitment of staff and the resilience and ambition of the children themselves. We are incredibly proud of the high‑quality provision and strong leadership in these schools, and of their relentless focus on inclusion, equity and excellence.”
Headteachers from the four schools highlighted the importance of inclusive practice and a whole‑child approach.
Sarah Starr, headteacher at St Georges Church School said: “We are honoured to be recognised for our work supporting children who face disadvantage. Inclusion sits at the heart of everything we do at St George’s, and we are proud to help every child and family thrive and believe that all things are possible.”
Adam Beauford, headteacher at Holy Trinity, added: “At Holy Trinity, we aspire for all to achieve. We strive to uplift every child by tailoring support to their academic and emotional needs. Through a rich and carefully developed curriculum, we help children become resourceful individuals with a strong sense of identity, resilience and responsibility, ready to embrace the opportunities ahead of them.”
Naomi Boyce, headteacher at St Andrew’s Church School, Bath, said: “We are incredibly proud that the achievements of our disadvantaged pupils have been recognised in this way. At St Andrew’s, we believe deeply in seeing the potential in every child and ensuring they feel valued, championed and supported. This acknowledgement reflects the daily dedication of our staff, the hard work of our pupils, and the strong partnership we share with families.
“Through a nurturing environment, a rich curriculum, and a commitment to high expectations for all, we strive to remove barriers and open doors for every learner. We are delighted that the progress of our children has been recognised nationally, and we remain determined to continue strengthening opportunities for every pupil in our community.”
The government’s RISE programme aims to support schools nationally by promoting collaboration, sharing effective practice and strengthening outcomes for disadvantaged pupils. BWMAT welcomes the opportunity to contribute its expertise while continuing to focus on delivering the best possible education for the communities it serves.