Multi-academy trust shortlisted for two 'Oscars of education'

The White Horse Federation has been as been shortlisted for two awards at the TES Schools Awards, widely regarded as the Oscars of the education sector.

The federation (TWHF), a multi-academy trust based in Wiltshire with several schools in Swindon and across the county and region.

Its latest honour has seen it nominated in the 'Trust of the Year' category for trusts with more than 10 schools, and Zouch Academy in Tidworth nominated for ‘Early Years Setting of the Year’. 

The TES Schools Awards shortlist is compiled by a panel of expert judges, including school leaders and sector specialists, and recognises the very best from state and independent schools across the UK.

Winners will be announced at a gala ceremony on Friday 19 June 2026 at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London.

The trust says the double shortlisting is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the trust’s growing reputation for excellence, inclusion, and community leadership.

Dr Dan Nicholls, CEO of The White Horse Federation, said: “The trust of the year nomination is a reflection of the work of all colleagues across the organisation, and testament to their unswerving desire to inspire lives with greater opportunity and choice. 

"Thank you to all 1500 colleagues who deserve this recognition - you all make a difference.

“I am often humbled by the quality of provision, expertise and intelligence that colleagues bring to their work every day. Our Professional Services Platform creates the opportunity for our schools to focus on school improvement - great schools held in a strong trust.

“I also want to congratulate Nina and her amazing team at Zouch Academy for being shortlisted for the Early Years Foundation Stage setting of the year. The team at Zouch are outstanding and we are very proud of what is being achieved at Zouch.”

The trust has grown in recent years while maintaining a distinctive culture of togetherness and belonging.

Its nomination for Trust of the Year, the organisation says, recognises both the scale of its ambition and the quality of outcomes it achieves for the children and communities it serves.

The federation won the ‘Inclusive Trust of the Year Award’ at the TES Awards last year.