Exciting new sponsors join Educate Awards 2026

Educate Awards is the North West’s most prestigious celebration of education. It now welcomes Thrive Education Group and its training partner, Teach+, as new sponsors. Together, they are supporting the fifteenth anniversary event and backing the Most Inspirational Specialist School category.

How Thrive Education Group supports schools

Thrive Education Group works with schools and local authorities across the Liverpool City Region. It helps build safe, skilled and well‑supported teams through recruitment, tuition and training. The organisation provides fully vetted teachers, teaching assistants, midday supervisors, administrators and caretakers. It offers everything from same‑day supply to long‑term and permanent placements. Its tuition desk also delivers tutoring across the region.

Teach+ training and trauma‑informed practice

Meanwhile, Teach+ delivers training to schools nationwide and to Thrive’s staff. Chartered clinical psychologist Dr Carol Sadler designed its CPD‑accredited positive intervention programme. It is delivered by Ofqual assessed tutors.

The programme supports staff to prevent and de‑escalate distressed behaviour, build positive relationships and use NFPS‑certified physical intervention safely. It ensures schools receive trauma‑informed, expert guidance every step of the way, including access to psychologists.

Why Thrive and Teach+ are sponsoring the award

Ryan Davies, COO and education services manager at Thrive Education Group, commented on being a sponsor for the Most Inspirational Specialist School. He said:

“Every day we see the difference exceptional school staff make, often in the hardest moments of a child’s day.

“Our role is to make sure schools have the right people in place to do that work, and the Educate Awards shine a light on it brilliantly. We’re honoured to be part of the fifteenth anniversary and to celebrate the specialist schools that put children first, every single day.”

Ian Rafferty, CEO and lead trainer at Teach+, added:

“Sponsoring Most Inspirational Specialist School felt like a natural fit for us. Specialist schools lead the way in understanding children, building trust and helping every child feel safe, and that is exactly what our training is built around. When staff feel confident and supported, children feel it too. Those are the values that matter most to us, and it’s a privilege to recognise the schools that live them.”

In 2026, Educate Awards is marking its fifteenth year. It is proud to continue to shine a spotlight on the nurseries, schools, colleges and multi academy trusts making a real impact across the North West.

About the Most Inspirational Specialist School award

The Most Inspirational Specialist School award recognises specialist settings that demonstrate an exceptional dedication to supporting students aged three-18 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The award highlights the environments that demonstrate inclusive practice, tailored support and innovative teaching. It spotlights schools that help students thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

This year’s shortlisted specialist schools have been recognised by judges as being transformational in the lives of young people. They are removing barriers, creating opportunities and engaging families in meaningful ways. Each finalist has built a strong sense of community, ensuring every student feels valued and empowered.

Educate Awards Founder welcomes new sponsors

Kim O’Brien, founder of Educate Awards, said:

“We’re delighted to welcome Thrive Education Group and Teach+ as sponsors. Their work plays a vital role in supporting schools across our region, from helping leaders build strong, skilled teams to providing high‑quality, trauma‑informed training that equips staff to support every child with confidence.

“Their commitment to improving the experiences of pupils and the adults who care for them aligns closely with the values celebrated in our Most Inspirational Specialist School award. We’re incredibly grateful for their support in our fifteenth anniversary year.”

Looking ahead to the 2026 ceremony

With the shortlist now announced, schools and education organisations across the region are eagerly awaiting the awards ceremony at Liverpool Cathedral on Friday, 13 November, when the winners will be revealed. The ceremony promises to be an unforgettable celebration of the staff, leaders and teams shaping the future for young people across the North West.

To stay up to date with the awards, visit educateawards.co.uk or follow Educate Awards on Instagram and LinkedIn.