Liberty Academy Trust, the specialist multi-academy trust behind Vanguard School in Lambeth has been shortlisted as a finalist in three categories at the School and Trust Leadership Awards 2026.
The Trust has been recognised in the Trust of the Year (Small), Trust Leadership Team of the Year, and SEND Excellence Award categories at the national ceremony, which takes place on 4 June 2026.
All three of Liberty Academy Trust’s schools serve autistic young people. The shortlisting reflects the Trust’s consistent improvement in outcomes.
In 2024/25, 100% of the Trust’s Key Stage 4 pupils achieved at least one GCSE — up from 76% the previous year.
75% achieved five or more qualifications at Level 4 or equivalent, up from 34%.
The Trust has also been shortlisted for its leadership team, who have led academic excellence and pastoral support across all three schools.
Dr Nicola Crossley, CEO of Liberty Academy Trust, said: “Being shortlisted across three categories is a reflection of what colleagues do every day for some of the most complex young people in the country.
These are children who have often faced real struggles before they reach us, and watching them achieve, build friendships, and find confidence is what this is really about.
“The awards are wonderful, but the real measure of what we do is a young person who comes to us unable to access education and leaves with qualifications, a destination, and a belief in themselves.”
The SEND Excellence Award shortlisting recognises the Trust’s integrated approach to education and therapeutic support, which combines on-site speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological support.
