Recognising employees at the Heart Awards

Michaela Bayliss (The Newbridge School) – Science Teacher 

For stepping up at short notice to lead the Science Department with resilience and enthusiasm, maintaining high standards, supporting staff and driving Year 11 progress. 

Jonathan Davison (Lionheart) – Performing Arts Technician 

For tirelessly and expertly supporting performing arts initiatives across Martin High, Cedars, Humphrey Perkins and Castle Rock, empowering students by giving them countless opportunities to thrive and pursue passions beyond the classroom. 

Emma Lowe (Lionheart) – Curriculum Lead for Design 

For building a strong, creative community to provide opportunities in the arts, through tireless curriculum support, sharing of subject expertise and encouraging collaboration across school design departments. 

Mia Elkington (Martin High School) – Student Manager and Head of Year 

For taking on additional Head of Year duties and leading with empathy, energy and resilience — transforming student engagement and ensuring all pupils feel supported, inspired and ready for their GCSEs. 

Laila Watchorn (Hallam Fields Primary School) – Year 6 Teacher 

For delivering an exceptional set of Key Stage 2 SATs results with the school’s first ever Year 6 cohort, creating resources for lessons and promoting Trust-wide literacy improvement through passion, dedication and an incredible eye for detail. 

Jo Hannam (Beauchamp College) – Art and Design Teacher 

For leading the brilliant Mantis Muse project alongside renowned artist and alumni David Shrigley with creativity and precision, delivering a Trust-wide celebration of the arts that inspired students, staff and families and earned national recognition. 

Georgina Newton (Riverside Primary School) – SENDCo 

For removing barriers to learning by designing and delivering a pioneering and inspirational wellness provision that supports vulnerable learners at Riverside and inspires inclusive practice across the Trust. 

Endeavour (The Cedars Academy) 

For creating a safe, high-expectation environment where vulnerable, and at times challenging, pupils thrive academically and enjoy life-changing experiences through care, structure and opportunity. 

EYFS (Brocks Hill Primary School) 

For putting children and families at the heart of everything they do, creating a nurturing, joyful and high-achieving early years environment where pupils thrive and staff feel empowered.