Oasis Community Learning Celebrates Double Victory at MAT Excellence Awards!

We won! We are delighted to share that we have been recognised by the MAT Excellence Awards for the 'Community Trust of the Year' and the 'Inclusivity Award.'

Our organisation proudly secured the two prestigious awards last night, at an event dedicated to celebrating excellence and impact in school trusts and businesses. Presented by Optimus Education in partnership with the Confederation of School Trusts (CST), the awards recognised Oasis for its exceptional contributions in the categories of 'Community Trust of the Year' and the 'Inclusivity Award.'

Janet Berry, Oasis Community Partnerships National Director, led on our application for the Community Trust of the Year Award. She explained that it is through the partnership between Oasis Community Partnerships and Oasis Community Learning that we are able to develop Oasis "Hubs", providing wide-ranging and integrated services around our academies, supporting disadvantaged children, young people, whole families, and members of the wider community. Janet explained how our approach empowers local people to transform their neighbourhoods into places that are healthy, safe, supportive, and full of opportunity.

Our CEO John Barneby shares the following message: “Our vision is for community and our values are rooted in the belief that everyone is included, everyone belongs. So fantastic to WIN two MAT Excellence Awards for Inclusion and Community! What an incredible team and organisation Oasis is!”

The 'Inclusivity Award' was another significant achievement for Oasis, highlighting our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. Gemma Bolton-Hale, our Gender Network Advocate led the inclusivity application. She articulated Oasis's driving principle: a 'passion to include,' which is deeply embedded in every aspect of our work. Gemma highlighted that Oasis operates in some of the most challenging areas in the country, striving to ensure that every individual's voice is valued, and how we accept and celebrate diversity, creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

Our Founder, Steve Chalke, expressed his gratitude and pride in the accomplishments of the Oasis team. "Our vision is rooted in our commitment to the inclusion of all; every human being is loved by God and deserves the opportunity to experience being safe and loved by others. Last night, our schools won two national awards, one for inclusion and one for community! What an amazing team, movement, and organization Oasis has become! Thank you!"

The awards night was a momentous occasion for us, celebrating the dedication and hard work of our staff and students. A special thank you to Janet Berry and Gemma Bolton-Hale for their efforts in completing the award applications. Their contributions have been incredibly valuable in showcasing the impact of Oasis's work on a national stage.

This double win is a remarkable achievement, reflecting the collective efforts of the entire Oasis community. It serves as a reminder of the incredible difference that can be made when passionate individuals come together with a shared vision of inclusivity and community support. Thank you to everyone involved in making this possible. Together, we are Oasis.