The White Horse Federation (TWHF), has won the Inclusive Trust of the Year Award at the highly prestigious Tes Schools Awards, held at the Grosvenor Hotel in London on 20 June.

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 Inclusive Trust of the Year Award is new, making TWHF the first ever winner.

TWHF has credited the transformative work of the new TWHF Inclusion Team, whose innovative approach to Internal Alternative Provision, along with the Trust’s new Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Framework, has redefined how support is delivered to vulnerable students, blending targeted academic intervention with tailored pastoral care.
The model ensures all learners, regardless of background or need, can access high-quality education in a nurturing, supportive environment.
Tim James, Director of Inclusion at The White Horse Federation (TWHF), accepted the award, saying:

“On behalf of The White Horse Federation, I am deeply honoured and absolutely delighted to accept the TES Inclusive Trust of the Year Award.

“Inclusion is not a strategy for us — it is our foundation. It is the way we think, the way we teach, the way we lead, and the way we care. We don’t believe in fitting pupils into a system. We believe in shaping a system that fits every pupil.

“We’ve still got more to do. True inclusion is a journey, not a destination. But tonight, we pause to celebrate how far we’ve come — together.

“To TES, thank you for shining a light on inclusive practice across the country. To our fellow nominees — your work inspires us, and we are proud to stand beside you.

“And most importantly, to the young people we serve - this is for you. You are the reason we do this. You are the heart of everything.”

Dr. Dan Nicholls, Chief Executive of The White Horse Federation, posted on LinkedIn:

"I am hugely proud that The White Horse Federation is the Tes Inclusive Trust of the Year! And Rodbourne Cheney was nominated for Primary School of the year. The award is a reflection of the brilliant work that colleagues do across the trust every day, inspiring lives. A trust that creates a platform for amazing colleagues to meet the needs of all children. 

 

"I am constantly humbled by the strength of inclusion, the provision offered across our Primary, Secondary and Special settings and the platform created for our schools by central colleagues and teams that clear the way for colleagues to apply equity and give what individual children actually need. 

This award belongs to all colleagues across The White Horse Federation, they are amazing!"