The evening brought together colleagues from across our academies and central teams for a night of celebration, appreciation and connection. It was a chance to recognise the dedication, compassion and commitment shown by colleagues every day across our Trust.

The celebrations began with two inspiring performances from our pupils. The Steel Drums group from Co-op Academy North Manchester brought energy and excitement to the entrance of the event with their performance, followed by the Primary Choir featuring pupils from Co-op Academy Medlock, Co-op Academy Broadhurst and Co-op Academy New Islington, who filled the evening with warmth and pride.

Before dinner was served, students from Co-op Academy Swinton took to the stage with a fantastic set of performances, including Somewhere Only We Know by Keane, Six from the musical Six, and One Last Time by Ariana Grande.
 
The performances were a wonderful reminder of the talent within our academies and the opportunities colleagues create for children and young people every day.

This year, we received more than 700 nominations from colleagues across the Trust. Each nomination celebrated someone who makes a meaningful difference through their dedication, teamwork and commitment to our pupils, communities and each other.

Following feedback from colleagues, this year’s Recognition Awards introduced a refreshed set of categories, designed to celebrate the many different ways colleagues make a positive impact across our Trust.

The new awards recognise excellence in areas including curriculum and achievement, social inclusion and belonging, colleague wellbeing, community partnerships, innovation and system-wide impact. They celebrate individuals and teams who go above and beyond, demonstrating our Ways of Being Co-op and helping to create opportunities for children, young people and colleagues to thrive.

Awards were presented throughout the evening, celebrating colleagues and teams who have shown exceptional commitment, collaboration and care in their roles. 

From improving outcomes for pupils and sharing expertise, to strengthening communities and supporting the wellbeing of others, every winner represents the values at the heart of Co-op Academies Trust.

Our 2026 Recognition Award winners

Belonging Champion Award

• Amanda Harris – Co-op Academy Clarice Cliff

• Kaya Chew – Co-op Academy Manchester

• Rachael Sneddon – Co-op Academy Walkden

Central Colleague of the Year

• Josh Dale – Central Team

• Mike Nolan – Central Team

• Pally Galbraith – Central Team

Collective Impact Award

Greater Manchester ACP Team

• Amanda Maugham – Central Team

• Emen Hussain – Central Team

• Hannah Molloy – Central Team

• Jen Edmondson – Central Team

• Susan Roberts – Central Team

• Georgina Wild – Central Team

Belle Vue Quality of Education Team

• Neilam Atcha – Co-op Academy Belle Vue

• Bethany Swindell – Co-op Academy Belle Vue

• Kashmala Rathore – Co-op Academy Belle Vue

• Laura Drinkwater – Co-op Academy Belle Vue

Brownhill Attendance Minibus Team

• Melissa Chippendale – Co-op Academy Brownhill

• Vikki Hughes – Co-op Academy Brownhill

Community Excellence Award

• Hannah Danby – Co-op Academy Brierley

• Samra Mirza – Co-op Academy Grange

• Olivia Williamson – Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent

Curriculum Expertise & Practice Award

• Charlotte Gleeson – Co-op Academy Belle Vue

• Oliver Strelczenie – Co-op Academy Brierley

• Elisha Pighills – Co-op Academy Delius

Department of the Year Award

Bebington ISAP - Elevate and Motivate

• Alistair Denham – Co-op Academy Bebington

• Helen Richardson – Co-op Academy Bebington

• Leanne Robinson – Co-op Academy Bebington

• Michelle Rogers – Co-op Academy Bebington

Northwood Early Years Team

• Natasha Coore – Co-op Academy Northwood

• Hannah Slinn – Co-op Academy Northwood

• Amy Brennan – Co-op Academy Northwood

• Janine Simpson – Co-op Academy Northwood

• Jenny Spruce – Co-op Academy Northwood

• Lauren Whitby – Co-op Academy Northwood

Southfield Attendance Team

• Dan Foster – Co-op Academy Southfield

• Isma Batool – Co-op Academy Southfield

• Kiran Afzal – Co-op Academy Southfield

Director of the Year

• Bhavini Vithlani – Central Team

• Jay Timotheus – Central Team

• Lee Mullen – Central Team

Geoff Clarke Award for Inclusion

• Joanna Graham – Co-op Academy Brownhill

Clarice Cliff Attendance Team

• Kerry McDonald – Co-op Academy Clarice Cliff

• Samantha Hudson – Co-op Academy Clarice Cliff

• Wendy Coyne – Co-op Academy North Manchester

Innovation & System Impact Award

• Logan McMillan – Central Team

• Charlotte James – Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent

• Beccie Stant – Co-op Academy Woodslee

Inspirational Leader Award

• Melanie Boffey – Co-op Academy Brierley

• Dionne Wiltshaw – Co-op Academy Northwood

• Shaun Leathers – Co-op Academy Portland

Lifetime Achievement Award

• Deborah Fletcher – Co-op Academy Grange

• Andy Blair – Co-op Academy Leeds

• Asif Ali – Co-op Academy Leeds

• Marianne Francey – Co-op Academy Oakwood

• Eileen Tolcher – Co-op Academy Portland

Newcomer Award

• Charlotte Wilson – Co-op Academy Beckfield

• Danielle Owen – Co-op Academy Medlock

• Kiarna Smith – Co-op Academy Northwood

Opportunity Driver Award

• Dave Wheetman – Co-op Academy Grange

• Lucy Weighman – Co-op Academy Walkden

• Isabella Taylor – Connell Co-op College

Progress & Achievement Award

• Jamie Stubbs – Co-op Academy Clarice Cliff

• Zeri Salem – Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent

• Adam Lamara – Co-op Academy Walkden

Support Staff of the Year

• Chris Locke – Co-op Academy Bebington

• Karina McLoughlin – Co-op Academy Medlock

• Louise Standring – Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent

Teacher of the Year

• Sandie Utley – Co-op Academy Bebington

• Beth Wiggins – Co-op Academy Portland

• Sam White – Co-op Academy Priesthorpe

Ways of Being Champion Award

• James Rhodes – Co-op Academy Florence MacWilliams

• Shamila Khan – Co-op Academy Southfield

• Emily Faulkner – Co-op Academy Walkden

Wellbeing & Support Champion Award

• Emilie Lawson-Noctor – Co-op Academy Bebington

• Georgina Clark – Co-op Academy Brownhill

• Kimberley Hall – Co-op Academy Portland

The evening concluded with a celebration of colleagues from across our Trust, bringing together people from every part of our community to recognise the incredible work taking place every day. 

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