The People’s Learning Trust Named TES Trust of the Year 2026

The People’s Learning Trust has been named TES Trust of the Year 2026 – 9 Schools or Fewer at the prestigious TES Schools Awards, held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Friday 19 June.

The national award recognises the collective achievements of the Trust's schools and colleges and celebrates the commitment of staff, pupils, students, governors, trustees, families and partners who work together every day to improve the lives of children and young people.

For a Trust established only in April 2024, the recognition represents a remarkable milestone.

Born from the success of Everton Free School and Everton Football College, The People’s Learning Trust has grown into a family of schools serving communities across Liverpool, Wirral, Sefton and Cheshire West and Chester. Today, the Trust brings together mainstream primary education, alternative provision, secondary education and post-16 education, creating clear pathways for children and young people throughout their educational journey.

The TES judging panel praised the Trust's track record of transforming schools and improving outcomes for pupils facing significant barriers to learning. Judges highlighted its inclusive culture, Trust-wide SEND network and commitment to supporting the wider educational community.

The award reflects more than organisational growth. It recognises a Trust united by a shared purpose: creating opportunity, raising aspirations and ensuring every child and young person has the chance to thrive.

The People’s Learning Trust was established with a clear ambition to preserve and extend the values that had made Everton Free School and Everton Football College such a powerful force for young people. Founded with the support of Everton Football Club, the Trust is believed to be the only multi-academy trust directly founded and supported by a Premier League football club.

However, its story reaches far beyond football.

At its heart is a commitment to education, community and public service. The Trust is built upon values long associated with Everton—opportunity, inclusion, ambition, service and a deep connection to the communities it serves.

The Trust currently comprises Everton Free School and Everton Football College, Bidston Avenue Primary School, Waterside Academy, Meadow Community Primary School and Oldfield Primary School. While each school maintains its own identity and serves its own community, all share a commitment to high expectations, inclusion, personal development and preparing every child and young person for a positive future.

Everton Free School remains at the heart of the Trust's story. Opened in 2012 as the UK's first alternative provision free school linked to a professional football club, it has become nationally recognised for supporting young people who have experienced barriers to success in education. In April 2024, the school was judged Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted, recognising the exceptional work of staff in delivering high-quality education, outstanding personal development and meaningful futures for its pupils.

Alongside the school, Everton Football College continues to provide students with the opportunity to combine academic and vocational study with football and sport, offering progression routes from Level 2 programmes through to honours degree courses in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University.

Across its primary schools, the Trust has continued to build a strong reputation for educational excellence and innovation.

Bidston Avenue Primary School has earned national recognition for its careers programme through the Primary Futures Gold Award, providing pupils with opportunities to engage with employers, universities and professionals from a wide range of industries. The school has also established international educational partnerships with organisations in China and plays an active role in the North West Maths Hub, alongside Meadow Community Primary School and Oldfield Primary School. Its curriculum is underpinned by three key drivers: reading, critical thinking and resilience.

Meadow Community Primary School joined the Trust in January 2025 and has quickly become an integral part of the Trust family. Serving a large community in Ellesmere Port, the school combines high expectations with exceptional pastoral care, ensuring children feel safe, supported and inspired to achieve their full potential.

Oldfield Primary School brings a strong culture of creativity, confidence and aspiration. Its commitment to curiosity and lifelong learning complements the wider Trust vision while strengthening collaboration across the primary phase.

Waterside Academy further reflects the Trust's commitment to inclusion and second chances. Through personalised learning, strong pastoral support and meaningful opportunities for reintegration, the academy demonstrates the Trust's belief that a child's potential should never be limited by their circumstances or previous experiences.

Beyond its own schools, The People’s Learning Trust continues to make a significant contribution to education across the North West. Leaders and staff support other schools through curriculum development, mathematics leadership, SEND collaboration, professional learning and school-to-school improvement. The Trust's ability to bring together expertise from primary, secondary, alternative provision and post-16 education enables colleagues to share best practice and strengthen outcomes across the wider education sector.

The TES judges commented that, despite its size, the Trust has developed an influence that extends well beyond its own family of schools. One school leader in Jersey described the support they had received as being driven by "a genuine desire to help children and strengthen schools," while TES judge James Bowen remarked that "what really stands out though is the trust's commitment to supporting the wider educational community."

Those comments capture an important part of the Trust's identity. Success is measured not simply by outcomes within its own schools, but by its willingness to share expertise, collaborate with others and contribute positively to education wherever it can make a difference.

The TES Trust of the Year award therefore recognises far more than academic performance or organisational growth. It celebrates a Trust that has grown from one outstanding school into a family of schools and colleges supporting children and young people from their earliest education through to university, employment and adult life. It recognises dedicated staff who work tirelessly to ensure pupils and students feel known, valued and able to succeed. Above all, it recognises a collective belief that education has the power to transform lives.

For The People’s Learning Trust, this award is both a proud moment and an important reminder of the responsibility it carries as it continues to grow. With ambition, compassion and an unwavering commitment to the communities it serves, the Trust remains focused on creating opportunities for every child and young person to fulfil their potential.

The People’s Learning Trust – Rooted in Everton. Transforming lives.