Canonium Learning Trust - TES Shortlist

Small Schools, Big Impact: Local Essex Primary School Trust Crowned Tes Trust of the Year 2025

Canonium Learning Trust is proud to announce it has been named Trust of the Year (9 Schools or Fewer) at the Tes Schools Awards 2025 - a national award that celebrates the very best in UK education.

The Tes Schools Awards, now in its 17th year, are widely regarded as the ‘Oscars of Education’. They recognise the extraordinary commitment, quality, and innovation demonstrated by teachers, staff, and leaders across early years, primary, and secondary settings. The winners were announced at a prestigious gala evening on Friday 20 June 2025 at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London, hosted by comedian Tom Allen, where Canonium was celebrated for its “visionary and collaborative approach” and its “exceptional leadership of small schools”.

Winners were selected by a distinguished panel of judges, including school leaders and sector experts. Across 23 award categories, the chosen schools and educators represent the very best of UK education, highlighting distinction in every corner of the sector.

Commenting on the Awards, Rod Williams, CEO of Tes, said: “A special congratulations to all the winners and finalists at this year’s Tes Schools Awards. The remarkable achievements of state and independent schools, teachers, and trusts that were celebrated this evening are a powerful demonstration of the excellence and dedication driving UK education.”

Tes is also proud to partner with strategic sponsors for the awards, which this year included: Disney on Stage, PGL Beyond, and Penguin.

Michelle Evans, Head of Education at PGL, said:

“Congratulations to all the winners for their outstanding work in inspiring the next generation. We understand the importance of creating breakthroughs for young people, and know that these are happening every day through the work of these educators.”

Small Trust, Big Impact

Since its beginnings at Kelvedon St Mary's CofE Primary Academy, Canonium Learning Trust has evolved into a close‑knit family of schools rooted in rural communities across Essex. Together, these schools create nurturing environments where every child can flourish and every community can thrive.

The award is a testament to Canonium’s bold and collaborative approach to addressing the challenge of falling rolls across rural communities. Rather than scaling back and relying on temporary falling‑roll funding, the Trust chose to invest in revitalising its learning environments, strengthening its nursery provision, and boosting admissions - ensuring its schools remain vital, thriving hubs at the heart of their communities.

Through a collaborative approach to curriculum planning, Canonium has developed a set of standards that guide its leaders to reflect deeply on their practice, ensuring every school can flourish while preserving its unique character and ethos. Today, every Canonium school inspected since joining the Trust has been rated ‘Good’ or better by Ofsted, with pupil outcomes matching or exceeding national averages.

Innovative Practice and Strong Culture

The Trust has embraced innovative ways to support its staff and students. Its “Pink Tower” approach - an evidence‑based strategy inspired by Montessori principles - has successfully reduced exclusions and persistent absence across the Trust. Meanwhile, staff are encouraged to prioritise their well‑being, share ideas for improvement, and help shape more effective ways of working, with the Trust committed to listening and making changes that enable staff to flourish.

Lois Osborne, Chief Executive Officer of Canonium Learning Trust, said:

“We’re incredibly proud to receive this award. It recognises the hard work and commitment of our staff, governors, families, and most of all, our children. At Canonium, we are relentless in our drive to give every child the very best education possible, no matter the size or setting of the school. This award highlights the strength of our rural communities and what we can achieve when we work together. Thank you to the Tes School Awards panel for this recognition.”

Andy Hayman CBE QPM, Chair of the Canonium Trust Board, said:

“This award is a remarkable testament to the collective effort across Canonium. It reflects the high standards, strong values and deep connections that define our Trust. It is a proud moment for every person associated with us. We remain committed to providing the best possible education and opportunities for every child we serve. We are grateful to the Tes judges for acknowledging our work.”

Carrie Prior, Director of Education for the Chelmsford Diocese, said:

“We are absolutely thrilled to celebrate Canonium Learning Trust’s recognition as Trust of the Year (9 schools or fewer) at the 2025 Tes Schools Awards. This honour is a testament to the Trust’s unwavering commitment to inclusive, values-led education and its transformative leadership particularly in revitalising small schools.”

“Canonium’s work beautifully reflects the Church of England’s vision for education - rooted in community, dignity, hope, and wisdom. Their dedication to nurturing every child and supporting the wider educational landscape is truly inspiring. We commend the entire Canonium team for this richly deserved recognition and look forward to seeing their continued impact flourish.”

Our Family of Schools

Canonium Learning Trust is proud to support a growing family of primary schools across Essex, including:

Kelvedon St Mary's C of E Primary Academy, Kelvedon
Tolleshunt D’Arcy St Nicholas Primary Academy, Maldon
Finchingfield St John the Baptist Primary Academy, Braintree
Stisted Primary Academy, Braintree
St Andrew’s Primary Academy, Marks Tey
Ardleigh St Mary’s Primary Academy, Ardleigh
St Michael’s Primary Academy, Ramsey (Formally Two-Village Harwich)
Stourview Primary Academy, Mistley (formerly Mistley Norman)
East Hanningfield Primary Academy, Chelmsford
Langham Primary Academy, Langham (Colchester)
St Peter’s Primary Academy, West Hanningfield (Chelmsford)
Woodham Walter Primary Academy, Woodham Walter (Maldon)

About Canonium Learning Trust

Founded in 2013 and based in Kelvedon, Essex, Canonium Learning Trust is a charitable multi‑academy trust serving communities across the county. Its family of primary schools - each deeply rooted in its local area - is united by a shared commitment to providing every child with the best possible start in life. Guided by its core values of opportunity, challenge, and integrity, the Trust aims to create enriching environments where children flourish and staff are inspired to make a difference every day.

About the Tes Schools Awards

The Tes Schools Awards, now in its 17th year, celebrates the extraordinary commitment, quality, and innovation demonstrated by teachers, staff, and leaders across the UK. The Awards recognise the very best in education across early years, primary, and secondary settings and highlight excellence across every area of the sector.

More information about the winners www.tes.com/en-gb/schools-awards

About Tes

Tes is a global EdTech leader dedicated to empowering schools and educators to deliver inspiring learning experiences. Its intuitive platforms streamline complex tasks, enhance learning environments, and alleviate administrative burdens. Through collaboration with teachers and leaders, Tes delivers innovative solutions that support excellence across every area of education.
For more information about Tes, visit: www.tes.com

For more information or to arrange an interview:

Kevin Panrucker, CFOO
Email: admin@canonium.org | Tel: 01376 653200
Website: www.canonium.org

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