Endeavour Learning Trust & Churchtown Primary head shortlisted for prestigious TES Schools Awards 2026

A Northwestern multi academy trust of 10 schools has been shortlisted for three awards at the TES Schools Awards, widely regarded as the Oscars of the education sector.

Endeavour Learning Trust, which operates schools across Lancashire and Merseyside, has been shortlisted for:

• Trust of the Year (10 schools or more)
• Inclusive Trust of the Year
• Headteacher of the Year — Jinnie Payne, Churchtown Primary School

What are the awards?

The TES Schools Awards recognise the very best teachers and schools from UK state and independent schools, across early years settings, primary and secondary.

The shortlist is compiled by a panel of expert judges, including school leaders and sector specialists, and recognises the very best from state and independent schools across the UK.

Winners will be announced at a gala ceremony on Friday June 19 2026 at the Grosvenor House Hotel, London.

What is Endeavour Learning Trust?

Endeavour Learning Trust is a growing multi academy trust that currently encompasses four secondary schools and six primary schools across Lancashire and Sefton.

Those in Lancashire are Woodlea Junior School, Strike Lane Primary School, Burscough Priory Academy, Wellfield Academy, Tarleton Academy, Ormsirk School, Northbrook Primary Academy and Brindle Gregson Lane.

What do the nominations mean for the trust?

Endeavour Learning Trust say that the triple shortlisting is a remarkable achievement and a testament to the trust’s growing reputation for excellence, inclusion, and community leadership.

The Inclusive Trust of the Year category is a recently introduced award, recognising trusts that have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to ensuring every pupil, regardless of background or need, is supported to achieve their potential.

For Jinnie Payne, headteacher at Churchtown Primary School, the individual recognition reflects her outstanding leadership of a school that has navigated one of the most challenging periods any school community could face. Her steadfast dedication to pupils, staff and families has been widely acknowledged across the sector.

Endeavour Learning Trust adds that its nomination for Trust of the Year recognises both the scale of its ambition and the quality of outcomes it achieves for the children and communities it serves, having “grown significantly in recent years while maintaining a distinctive culture of togetherness and belonging”.

What has been said about their awards success?

David Clayton, CEO of Endeavour Learning Trust, said: “Being shortlisted for three TES Awards is an extraordinary honour and a reflection of the dedication and compassion of every member of our trust community.

“Each nomination speaks to what we stand for: putting people at the heart of everything we do, championing inclusion, and giving every child the very best start in life.”

“I’m particularly delighted that Jinnie’s exceptional leadership at Churchtown Primary School has been recognised in this way after years of hard work.”

Jinnie Payne said: “I am deeply humbled to be shortlisted for this award. It is not something I could achieve alone but instead it belongs to every member of our school community who gives so much of themselves, every single day, for our children.”