Awarded by Edurio, the accolade recognises the 10 top-scoring schools nationally for staff answers to: “How confident are you that the leadership understands your professional challenges?”

Hook Lane, part of Maritime Academy Trust, has been named a winner of the National Trusted Leadership Award, celebrating schools where colleagues feel leadership understand their professional challenges and respond with empathy and action.

The award is based on Edurio’s national analysis of staff feedback, identifying the top 10 schools in England for the question: “How confident are you that the leadership understands your professional challenges?” The recognition highlights open dialogue, informed decision-making and a culture of trust and support at Hook Lane.

Joy Sheekey, Headteacher at Hook Lane, said:

“At Hook Lane, we strive to listen carefully to our staff and understand the pressures they face, from workload to behaviour and resources. We see everyone as a leader and work hard to flatten hierarchy so every voice is heard and valued. Above all, we aim to create the same sense of nurturing support for our staff that we want for our children — a community where everyone feels cared for, respected and able to thrive.”

Ernest Jenavs, CEO at Edurio, said:

“Congratulations to the winners of the National Trusted Leadership Award. When colleagues are confident that leaders understand their challenges, it reflects a culture of listening, empathy and evidence-informed decisions that help staff thrive and, ultimately, benefit pupils.”