Oasis Community Learning shortlisted for two categories at the MAT Excellence Awards 2025

We are delighted to announce that Oasis Community Learning (OCL) has been shortlisted for two prestigious awards at the Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) Excellence Awards 2025— ‘Environmental Trust of the Year’ and ‘Staff Development Award’! 

Presented by Optimus Education in partnership with the Confederation of School Trusts (CST), these awards celebrate the achievements of Trusts, recognising their impact on pupils, staff and the community. Being shortlisted in these categories is a celebration of our commitment to sustainability, professional development, and empowering staff to thrive in the heart of their communities. 

At Oasis, we believe that great schools are built on great people. That’s why we have developed a trust wide strategy to create and deliver learning and development opportunities at every career stage, ensuring that all staff--whether they’re at the start of their journey or stepping into leadership--are equipped to grow, lead, and make a difference in their schools and in turn their communities. 

As founding members of the National Institute of Teaching, we take immense pride in our system leadership of talent and people development which sees us training our own staff as well as thousands of others in schools across the country from other schools and trusts. From initial teacher training to leadership pathways, we want teachers in our own trust and other academy trusts and local authorities to have access to meaningful opportunities for progression and impact. 

Our nomination for the ‘Staff Development Award’ highlights the strength of our national Learning & Development (L&D) strategy, led by Chief Education Officer, Helen Arya, and her dedicated team so that every colleague at Oasis--across teaching, leadership, and operational roles--feels supported, valued, and empowered to grow. 

Laura Bullen, National Lead of Operational Learning & Development, says:  

 “The Learning & Development team strives to meet the diverse needs of everyone who works at Oasis, and as a team, we are beyond delighted with this recognition of all our efforts.” 

We are incredibly proud of our blended learning offer which fulfils several ambitious objectives:    

• A wide lens on learning, developing character as well as competence fulfilling our Oasis vision  

• Catering for everyone, treasuring each unique individual, from new starters to senior leaders  

• Digital design and innovation, enabling us to reach our total workforce of 5,000+ colleagues    

• Underpinning research and evidence-based approaches  

• Powerful partnerships, providing cutting-edge development opportunities as a founding MAT of the National Institute of Teaching 

Beyond our commitment to people's development, we are equally passionate about our responsibility to the planet and the future we are shaping for our students. Our shortlisting for ‘Environmental Trust of the Year’ reflects the bold steps we are taking to embed sustainability across our schools, leading by example in reducing our environmental impact. 

Jessica Marshall, National Environmental Sustainability Manager at OCL, also celebrates:  

“I’m delighted that we’ve been shortlisted for the Environmental Trust of the Year! We still have a long way to go in reaching net zero and other environmental commitments, but this recognition of our collective efforts, from Eco Champions to Facilities staff and Procurement, is truly rewarding.” 

At Oasis, we see education as more than academic success; it is also shaping the beliefs and worldview of responsible future focused citizens who will lead the way in tacking global challenges. Academy staff who are appointed ‘Eco Champions’ play a pivotal role in this mission, leading and inspiring our pupils to become agents of change within their communities. This recognition of environmental sustainability reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring both our staff and pupils can shape the future of our communities.  

John Barneby, CEO of Oasis Community Learning, shared: 

“To be shortlisted for both the Staff Development and Environmental Trust of the Year awards is a fantastic recognition of our people and our mission. This achievement is a testament to the passion, dedication, and expertise of the entire Oasis family. It reflects the impact we can make when talented, committed individuals work together with a shared vision for education. My heartfelt thanks go to everyone who has contributed to these nominations--your hard work and dedication make all the difference.” 

We look forward to celebrating with colleagues from across the sector at the MAT Excellence Awards 2025 ceremony – and empowering people and continuing to strengthen the communities that we serve.