The trust behind two Buckinghamshire schools has been shortlisted for a top award.
E-ACT, which runs Chalfont Valley E-ACT Primary Academy and Bourne End Academy, is in the running for the 'Inclusive Trust of the Year' award at the 2025 Tes Schools Awards.
The multi-academy trust, which operates 38 academies across the country, has been recognised for its efforts to make education more inclusive.
The nomination acknowledges E-ACT's commitment to ensuring all students feel welcome, supported, and able to succeed.
A significant part of E-ACT's inclusion strategy has been focused on speech and language development.
The trust has seen a 300 per cent rise in students accessing this support, addressing a nationwide challenge.
Nearly two million children in the UK struggle with talking and understanding words and need access to speech and language support.
E-ACT has also provided extra training to 150 staff members to better support SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) pupils.
The trust has introduced a new approach to managing behaviour for pupils receiving speech and language support, recognising the link between communication difficulties and behavioural challenges.
As a result, children's comprehension and communication have improved, students have increased confidence, and pupil attendance has risen.
At E-ACT schools, 94 per cent of SEND children report feeling valued and included, compared to the national figure of 71 per cent.
Progress and attainment are also above the national average.
Tom Campbell, CEO of E-ACT, said: "We’re very proud to be shortlisted for this award, which recognises all our efforts to make our schools an inclusive and supportive place for all our pupils.
"SEND pupils are an integral part of our schools, and we are keen to do all we can to ensure that pupils feel welcome, and that our teachers and other colleagues have all they need to support them."
Rhian Warner, director of primary SEND, added: "As a result of our work on inclusion over the past year, our SEND pupils are happier, more confident, and more able.
"With attendance up, and our staff newly empowered to support our SEND pupils, we’re very keen to build on our success and continue our journey to make our academies inclusive for everyone."
Jon Severs, editor of Tes Magazine, said: "We’ve seen some incredible entries nominated in this year’s awards.
"The Tes Schools Awards are a highlight of the year, and it’s important that we properly recognise the fantastic work that's been done in education across the academic year."
The winners will be announced on June 20 at a gala at the Grosvenor Hotel, Park Lane, London.
