Athena Learning Trust Shortlisted for Two National Education Awards – A Testament to Rapid Progress

Athena Learning Trust, which oversees nine schools across Devon and Cornwall, has been shortlisted for two prestigious national education awards, recognising its rapid improvement in student outcomes and governance.

National Recognition for Excellence

The trust has been named a finalist for ‘Most Improved Multi Academy Trust’ at the National MAT Awards, hosted by the Multi Academy Trust Association (MATA). These awards celebrate outstanding achievements among multi academy trusts across the UK, with this year’s ceremony set to take place in Milton Keynes.

In addition, Georgina Fahey, Head of Governance and Compliance at Athena, has been shortlisted for ‘Governance Professional of the Year’ at the MAT Excellence Awards. This awards ceremony, which will be held later this year in London, highlights the best practices in governance across the sector.

One of the UK’s Fastest-Improving Trusts

Athena’s nomination follows significant improvements in student outcomes:

• 4th most improved trust nationally for student outcomes across all subjects over the past year and 6th most improved over two years.
• 9th most improved trust in maths outcomes over the past year, ranking 1st over two years.
• 7th most improved trust in English outcomes over one year and 6th over two years.
• 5th most improved for disadvantaged student outcomes across all subjects over one year, improving to 4th over two years.

Governance Transformation Recognised

Georgina has played a key role in reshaping Athena’s governance, streamlining structures and integrating three local governing bodies, including the trust’s first church school. She has also championed the use of technology to improve policy management, compliance, and onboarding processes for governors and trustees.

‘A Tremendous Achievement’

A spokesperson for Athena Learning Trust said:

“To be shortlisted for two national education awards is a tremendous achievement and a testament to the hard work, dedication, and commitment of every single member of staff across our family of schools.

“We now look forward to the rest of 2025, learning together, and to the awards ceremonies. Regardless of the outcomes, being shortlisted from among thousands of school trusts nationally is a recognition of the exceptional work being done in our schools every single day.”

Georgina said:

“To be shortlisted for the Governance Professional of the Year award is an absolute honour. It’s wonderful to see our trust’s commitment to world-class governance being acknowledged.”

Schools Under Athena Learning Trust

Athena Learning Trust operates Pool Academy, Launceston College, Bideford College, The Ilfracombe Academy, Atlantic Academy, Camborne Science and International Academy, Altarnun Primary School, Launceston Primary School, and Egloskerry Primary School.

With two national award nominations, Athena Learning Trust’s commitment to educational excellence is firmly in the spotlight.

Photo: Georgina Fahey, Head of Governance and Compliance at Athena