It’s often referred to as the ‘Oscars of education’Students take part in a cooking lesson, one of the many inclusive activities offered by E-ACT academies in Bristol.

A Bristol-based multi-academy trust has been shortlisted for a major national education award for its work in creating more inclusive school environments.

E-ACT, which operates 15 schools across the city, is in the running for the Inclusive Trust of the Year title at the 2025 TES Schools Awards – often referred to as the ‘Oscars of Education’.

The nomination recognises the trust’s work to ensure all pupils feel welcome, supported and able to thrive in its schools.

A key part of E-ACT’s inclusion efforts has been the expansion of speech and language provision across its academies.

The number of pupils accessing this support has risen by 300%, in response to a nationwide challenge that sees almost two million children across the UK struggling with communication skills.

In addition, the trust has trained 150 staff members to better support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

It has also introduced a revised approach to managing behaviour for pupils receiving speech and language support, recognising the link between communication difficulties and behavioural issues.

According to the trust, this work has led to improvements in children’s comprehension and communication, boosted pupil confidence and increased attendance rates. At E-ACT academies, 94% of SEND pupils report feeling valued and included – significantly higher than the national average of 71%. The trust also reports that pupil progress and attainment among this group are above the national benchmark.

Tom Campbell, chief executive 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 at E-ACT, 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 trust’s Bristol schools include Badock’s Wood E-ACT Academy, All Hallows, Barton Hill Academy, The Dolphin School, Fairlawn Primary School, Greenfield E-ACT Primary Academy, Hareclive E-ACT Academy, Ilminster Avenue E-ACT Academy, the Kingfisher School, Montpelier High School, Merchants Secondary Academy, Perry Court E-ACT Academy, St Ursula’s E-ACT Academy, Withywood Road and Hareclive Road.

Winners will be announced at a gala ceremony at the Grosvenor Hotel, Park Lane, London on Friday, June 20.