We’re proud that two of our leaders have been shortlisted in this year’s National School Awards, which celebrates the outstanding achievements of educators, leaders, schools and Multi-Academy Trusts across the UK.

Lee Rushforth, our Director of Estates, has been shortlisted for the Estates Management of the Year Award, recognising his exceptional leadership and innovation in managing educational estates.

Shaun Flynn, Chair of Governors at The Gainsborough Academy, has been shortlisted for the Governor of the Year Award, honouring his outstanding contribution to school governance and his positive impact on students, staff and wider community.

Transforming estates across the Trust

Since joining us several years ago, Lee has led a range of major projects that have strengthened sustainability, safety and inclusivity across our schools, many of which are located in some of the most deprived areas of South Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

These projects include:

Installing Solar PV systems across our schools (ongoing project), reducing energy costs and cutting carbon emissions by an estimated 52.96 tonnes of CO2e in the past year alone – the equivalent of nearly eight trips around the world in a standard petrol car.
Rolling out EV chargers across all schools and sites (ongoing project), which, when complete, will support greener commutes and contribute to WPT’s Net Zero goals.
Repurposing disused buildings into SEND and SEMH provisions, providing inclusive spaces tailored to students’ needs.
Overseeing the £1.3 million refurbishment of Foljambe Primary School, including a new hall, on-site kitchen and classroom upgrades.

Lee continues to drive our sustainability strategy forward, with long-term plans to expand renewable energy, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and create greener learning environments for staff and students.

Strengthening governance at The Gainsborough Academy

The Gainsborough Academy (TGA) serves a community with high levels of socio-economic deprivation, with some areas ranking among the top 10% most deprived in England in terms of employment, health, crime and education. Against this backdrop, Shaun has provided stability, vision and leadership as Chair of Governors for several years, ensuring school governance makes a real difference to the school community.

Under Shaun’s guidance, TGA has seen significant progress, including:

Improved attendance since 2021/22.
Strengthened behaviour and wellbeing systems, ensuring a safer, more inclusive environment.
Rebuilt community confidence through initiatives such as Proud to be TGA, where Shaun plays an active and trusted role.
Stronger governance capacity, through mentoring fellow governors and supporting recruitment.

Shaun’s commitment has helped shape a school culture where students remain at the heart of decision-making, contributing directly to TGA’s continued improvement and success.

Helen O’Brien, CEO at Wickersley Partnership Trust, said: “We are incredibly proud that both Lee and Shaun have been recognised at national level. Lee’s leadership in implementing our Strategic Energy Management Plan has transformed our estates, delivering sustainability and cost savings that we can reinvest into teaching and learning. Shaun’s governance at The Gainsborough Academy has been equally impactful. His decisions lead to real improvements for both our staff and students.

“Their achievements highlight the incredible talent and commitment we have in our Trust. We wish them both the very best of luck at the awards.”

Rachael Skelton, Headteacher at The Gainsborough Academy, added: “Shaun is an integral part of the leadership at The Gainsborough Academy. His commitment to our school goes above and beyond – he is always available to offer support and advice to staff and students.

“I would personally like to thank Shaun for his continued support and the role he has played in the improvements at The Gainsborough Academy.”

The National School Awards will be held in December at the House of Lords. We wish both Lee and Shaun the very best of luck!