LEO Academy Trust has been selected as a finalist in the ‘MAT of the Year’ category at Edufuturists’ Uprising Awards, in celebration of its inclusive digital strategy.

LEO Academy Trust serves over 4,500 pupils across nine primary schools in the London Borough of Sutton and Surrey, and is committed to high-quality learning, excellence and opportunity for all children and staff.

Edufuturists is an organisation which works to promote innovative and forward-thinking practices in education. The Uprising Awards event, due to be held in Leeds on 4th May 2023, will celebrate the achievements of some of the brightest minds in education and technology who are working to ignite change and transform learning.

LEO Academy Trust has been shortlisted for its purpose-led approach to digital technology which enhances teaching and learning for all – no matter their background or learning ability.

With inclusion being one of the Trust’s core values, LEO has been using technology to break down barriers for children in the classroom. The Trust has been steadily increasing the use of assistive technology to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), making sure that they can get the most out of their education and participate in all aspects of lessons.

The Trust has also been recognised for its work with the London Grid for Learning (LGfL), particularly to increase the accessibility of English and maths lessons for pupils. One example is the development of the Reading Zone Live platform, which comprises videos and author interview clips, supporting the development of pupil’s literacy skills and giving them a lifelong appreciation of literature.

The Trust has also funded the purchase of a Google Chromebook for every pupil at their schools through its 1:1 Google Chromebook Programme. This programme narrows the digital divide by providing every child with equitable access to digital resources, supporting at-home learning for pupils.

LEO Academy Trust has been a beacon for other schools and Trusts seeking to build their own digital strategy. LEO has played a key role supporting teachers across the country through its work as a Google Reference School, sharing training, resources and best practice guidance with peers. The Trust’s collaboration with LGfL also includes sharing best practice to help schools with their approach to implementing technology throughout the curriculum.

Part of the Trust’s successful digital approach lies in its staff, who have fully embraced the commitment to pedagogy-backed technology and innovation across each of LEO’s nine schools. One such example is the recent adoption of the LEGO Education programme, which LEO Academy Trust teachers were so enthused by that they opted for further programme training at LEGOLAND Windsor. Leaders at the Trust have expressed joy from watching staff’s mindset shift throughout the process of adopting the digital strategy – gaining confidence at a rate which is mirrored by their pupils.

The nomination from Edufuturists serves as a welcome boost to what is already shaping up to be a fantastic year for LEO Academy Trust, with the Trust also nominated as a finalist in this year’s MAT Excellence Awards’ Digital Innovation category.

Phillip Hedger, CEO for LEO Academy Trust, said:
“We are thrilled to be a finalist in the ‘MAT of the Year’ category at the Edufuturists Uprising Awards. It is a testament to the hard work of our staff and pupils across the Trust, who have all embraced digital learning with an inspiring degree of enthusiasm.

“I would like to extend a massive thank you to all our staff, whose diligence and hard work has been inspiring. Without their dedication, implementing this digital strategy would simply not have been possible.

“LEO Academy Trust is committed to delivering the highest quality education and best possible outcomes to all our pupils, and there is no greater reward than seeing them flourish since we began our digital learning journey.”

The central role which digital learning plays at the Trust has provided innumerable benefits to its entire learning community. Their pioneering approach means pupils are encouraged to develop curiosity and a passion for learning in the context of an increasingly digitised world – skills and attitudes which will stay with them for life.