nasen Awards 2025 Winners
The ninth annual nasen Awards, celebrated 18 schools, individuals, and organisations making an outstanding difference for children and young people with SEND and learning differences.
Supported by official Partner of the nasen Awards BeReady, the event was held at the Vox, Resorts World Birmingham on 3rd October 2025, recognising remarkable achievements in education, support, and inclusion.
Find out more about our winners below.
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Lifetime Contribution
With a career spanning over two decades in schools and colleges before moving into higher education, Gill has dedicated her life to advancing inclusive education, inspiring countless SENCOs and teachers through her leadership, research, and authorship.
For over 12 years, Gill has served as Book Reviews Editor for Support for Learning and the British Journal of Special Education, leading a team of 30+ reviewers and strengthening the connection between research and classroom practice. Her dedication has been instrumental in shaping nasen’s academic voice and supporting evidence-informed SEND practice.
Professor Gill Richards
Alternative Provision of the Year
Sponsored by Nurture International
St. Wilfrid’s Academy gives SEN/SEMH students a true second chance, with inclusion at the heart of everything they do. Over 84% of students in short-term assessment places successfully reintegrate into mainstream schools, and NEETs remain under 4% for six years running.
Recognised with the IQM National Award for Inclusion, Trauma Informed School Award, and Thrive Ambassador status, the school combines multi-agency support with personalised learning to transform lives. Innovative projects, including research with Sheffield University on literacy and oracy, continue to push the boundaries of alternative provision.
St Wilfrid's Academy
Changemaker of the year
Sponsored by The Voice of Early Childhood
For over 25 years, Thomas Keaney, Founder & CEO of The Complete Education Solution has transformed the lives of children and young people with SEND through pioneering therapeutic and inclusive education.
His “never give up” ethos ensures every child is seen, supported, and empowered. His LIFE programme equips neurodiverse pupils to succeed academically, socially, and as future leaders—many of whom return as mentors or staff.
A visionary advocate for inclusion, Thomas is a true Changemaker of the Year.
Thomas Keaney
Community Champion of the Year – Include.org
Sponsored by TTS
For over 9 years, Include.org has empowered people aged 16+ with communication needs through therapeutic, social, and learning opportunities. Their projects boost confidence, wellbeing, and inclusion—92% of participants report improved mental health, 98% feel happier, and 87% feel part of a community.
rom the Include Choir performing publicly to training, consultancy, and free Easy Read resources, Include amplifies voices, builds skills, and creates lasting connections—showing the world that everyone has something valuable to contribute.
Include.org
Co-Production Initiative of the Year: Supported Internship Programme
Sponsored by seashell
The co-produced internship with Discovery College and Plymouth City Council empowers young people with learning disabilities while reshaping systems. Interns and families lead the design, with employers, educators, and SEND teams as partners, creating inclusive, meaningful employment pathways.
Over 85% of interns progress into paid work or further training, with families reporting greater independence, improved wellbeing, and life-changing outcomes. By embedding accessibility, equity, and co-production at every step, the programme demonstrates the impact of placing young people at the heart of change.
Supported Internship Programme
Corporate Partner of the Year – Willmott Dixon
Sponsored by Axcis
Willmott Dixon has demonstrated what true corporate responsibility looks like. Through their 2023 Trainee Challenge project, they created “The Crow’s Nest” – a dedicated wellbeing space for SEND students at Netherhall and Oakes College. Designed to support those with ADHD, SEMH, and mental health needs, it provides a safe, calming retreat for students and staff alike.
What began as employability sessions for SEND students has grown into a lasting partnership. Willmott Dixon continues to invest time and expertise, now helping to develop a sensory garden and forest school area – creating an inclusive, enduring impact for the whole community.
Willmott Dixon
Early Years Provision of the Year - Essential Early Years
Sponsored by Mable Therapy
Essential Early Years is an Ofsted Outstanding nursery providing a nurturing, inclusive environment for children aged 0–5 with a wide range of needs. With a personalised curriculum, total communication approach, and highly trained staff, every child is supported to reach their full potential.
Through initiatives like the esSENtial Experiences and esSENtial Peeple programmes, the nursery empowers families, builds confidence, and strengthens community connections. Recognised with multiple national awards, Essential Early Years is a shining example of what inclusive early education can achieve.
Essential Early Years
Further Education (FE) Provision of the Year - Activate CES
Sponsored by nisai Learning
Activate Specialist College, based in Kirkby, Liverpool, supports learners aged 18+ with learning difficulties and disabilities through a highly personalised curriculum and extensive therapy input. Recently rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, the only specialist FE provider in the North West to achieve this. Activate is celebrated for its innovative, learner-centred approach and strong community partnerships that empower every student to thrive.
Activate CES
Leader or Leadership Team of the Year - Education Partnership North East SEND Leadership Team
Sponsored by Supporting Education Group
The SEND leadership team at Education Partnership North East (EPNE) has transformed the experience and life chances of young people with SEND. Through innovation, empathy, and determination, they’ve led the college from Good to Outstanding in all Ofsted judgments, including High Needs and post-16 residential provision.
With inclusion at the heart of every decision, their strategic partnerships, enhanced curriculum, and adaptive technologies have delivered 100% positive destinations, 98% achievement, and 94% attendance for High Needs students. EPNE’s leadership demonstrates how visionary, collaborative leadership can create equitable, sustainable outcomes for SEND learners.
Education Partnership North East SEND Leadership Team
Primary Provision of the Year - St Mary’s CofE Primary School and The POD
Sponsored by Axcis
St Mary’s CofE Primary School has been recognised for its deeply embedded culture of inclusion and its unwavering commitment to supporting every pupil with SEND.
Through The POD provision, the school delivers personalised, multi-sensory learning and emotional support, ensuring that every child — from Early Years to Key Stage 2 — is seen, heard, and celebrated.
A UNICEF Gold Rights Respecting School, St Mary’s empowers pupil voice, strengthens partnerships with parents and professionals, and champions every child’s right to thrive.
St Mary’s CofE Primary School and The POD
Resource for SEND - Twinkl Inclusion
Sponsored by Concero technology
Twinkl empowers educators, parents, and caregivers with practical, evidence-based resources for children with SEND and EAL. From sensory stories and dyslexia-friendly tools to Twinkl Symbols for communication, their materials make learning inclusive, engaging, and effective.
With expert-led guidance, CPD sessions, and over 10,000 schools using Twinkl SEND, the impact is far-reaching—helping every learner reach their potential.
Twinkl Inclusion
Secondary Provision of the Year - Carlton Bolling
Sponsored by Deborah Hay
Carlton Bolling has transformed its SEND provision, championing inclusivity, innovation, and student success. With a dedicated team of 29 SEND specialists, the Ambition Hub, tailored interventions, and wrap-around support, students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Recognised with Ofsted Outstanding, Careers Mark, and accessibility awards, Carlton Bolling sets the standard for secondary SEND excellence.
Carlton Bolling
Specialist Provision of the Year - Billing Brook School
Sponsored by Horizon Care & Education
Billing Brook School, supporting pupils aged 4–18, continues to set the standard for inclusive, outstanding education. Maintaining an Outstanding Ofsted for the 4th time in 14 years, the school fosters communication, independence, and regulation at every stage.
With an ambitious curriculum, innovative use of VR, Esports, and technology, and a strong focus on mental health, physical development, and life skills, Billing Brook truly supports the whole child. Collaborative, forward-thinking, and deeply committed to families, the school equips pupils with the tools to thrive now and in the future.
Billing Brook School
Support Practitioner of the Year - Fallon Thomas
Sponsored by BeReady
Fallon Thomas at Rayner Stephens High School goes above and beyond to support students with SEND. From key working 21 students, leading ADHD guidance for staff, to overhauling SEMH provision in The Hive, Fallon empowers students, families, and staff alike. Her dedication has improved attendance, academic progress, and wellbeing, while championing Young Carers across the school community.
Fallon Thomas
Teacher of the Year - Cary Sawbridge
Sponsored by TTS Resources
Cary Sawbridge at Northumberland College transforms lives through her extraordinary work with students with SEND. Her compassion, dedication, and ability to build trusting relationships empowers students to thrive academically, socially, and in employment, while supporting families and championing inclusion every step of the way.
Cary Sawbridge
Wraparound Provision of the Year - ZAP Kids Club
Sponsored by holmes and partners
ZAP Kids Club provides fully inclusive holiday activities for children with complex SEND, many of whom are non-verbal or have high sensory and care needs. Founded from a personal experience of exclusion, ZAP now supports over 200 families across London and Kent, combining arts, sensory activities, and therapeutic support in a safe, nurturing environment.
By offering tailored care, respite for families, and fostering community, ZAP ensures children and their families thrive during school holidays. Its innovative, compassionate approach has transformed access to inclusion where none existed before.
ZAP Kids Club
Young Advocate of the Year - Katie Nellist
Sponsored by TLC LIVE
Katie Nellist has shown extraordinary bravery in campaigning for SEND reform and ensuring young people’s voices are heard. Drawing on her lived experience, she has challenged local and national decision-makers, influenced policy, and inspired countless others with her resilience, determination, and commitment to change.
