THE trust in charge of a number of Cornwall and Devon schools has been shortlisted for national education awards

Athena Learning Trust, which runs nine schools across the areas has been shortlisted for "Most Improved Multi Academy Trust" at the National MAT Awards, as well as having Georgina Fahey shortlisted for the ‘Governance Professional of the Year Award’ at the MAT Excellence Awards.

The National MAT Awards hosted by the Multi Academy Trust Association (MATA), are held annually, presenting awards for outstanding achievement and the great work multi academy trusts do. This year’s ceremony is being held in Milton Keynes.

The MAT Excellence Awards give trusts across the UK the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of their schools, students and staff and the positive impact they have on their local community. It allows trusts to showcase their expertise and share their knowledge with peers. The awards ceremony will be held later this year in London.

Athena ranks as the fourth most improved trust in the country for student outcome improvements across all subjects over the past year, and sixth most improved over two years. It is also the ninth most improved trust nationally for maths outcomes over the past year, and first for improvements over the past two years.

The trust has also boasted impressive improvement within its English results, ranking seventh most improved over one year and sixth over two years. It is also fifth most improved nationally for disadvantaged student outcomes across all subjects over one year and fourth over two years.

Georgina Fahey, head of governance and compliance has also been nominated for her work at the trust.

A spokesperson from Athena Learning Trust said: “Georgina Fahey has revolutionised governance at Athena. She has streamlined structures, onboarded three local governing bodies (integrating the trust's first church school), and merged governing bodies, boosting efficiency and expertise. Her championing of technology has enhanced policy management and compliance, completely transforming their governor and trustee onboarding processes. She has had a huge impact on Athena's governance journey and is a key member of the shared service team.”

Schools within the trust include Pool Academy, Launceston College, Bideford College, The Ilfracombe Academy, Atlantic Academy, Camborne Science and International Academy, Altarnun Primary School, Launceston Primary School and Egloskerry Primary School.

A spokesperson for Athena Learning Trust added: “To be shortlisted for two national education awards is a tremendous achievement and a testament to the hard work, dedication, and commitment of every single member of staff across our family of schools.

“We now look forward to the rest of 2025, learning together, and to the awards ceremonies. Regardless of the outcomes, being shortlisted from among thousands of school trusts nationally is a recognition of the exceptional work being done in our schools every single day.”

Georgina Fahey, said: “To be shortlisted for the ‘Governance Professional of the Year’ award is an absolute honour. It's wonderful to see our trust's commitment to world-class governance being acknowledged.”