We are delighted to share that OAK Multi Academy Trust has been shortlisted for Small MAT of the Year at the MAT Excellence Awards 2026.
We are also proud that Chief Financial Officer Sarah Davis has been shortlisted for CFO of the Year, recognising her outstanding leadership in strengthening the trust’s financial strategy and long-term sustainability.
The MAT Excellence Awards celebrate excellence across the academy trust sector, recognising organisations and individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership, innovation and impact in education.
OAK has been shortlisted in recognition of its values-driven approach to school improvement and its clear strategic vision: “Together we grow great schools.”
Across its five schools, the trust has focused on strengthening teaching, inclusion, digital innovation and operational excellence while building a strong culture of collaboration and shared responsibility.
A key part of this work has been the development of the BespOAK Instructional Playbook, providing a shared professional framework for teaching and learning across the trust. This approach focuses on effective modelling, feedback, retrieval and practice, bringing greater consistency and clarity to classrooms.
OAK has also delivered a significant digital transformation through its Frontiers 1:1 iPad programme, ensuring digital equity for pupils while enhancing teaching, feedback and accessibility across primary schools.
Stakeholders have recognised the impact of the trust’s improvement journey. Former Vice Chair of Trustees Kam Karaji reflected on the progress made, writing:
“You have transformed this Trust… something I am proud to be a small part of.”
The awards also recognise the contribution of Sarah Davis, whose leadership has helped reshape the trust’s financial culture. Her work has strengthened transparency, sustainability and strategic financial planning across the organisation.
Under Sarah’s leadership, OAK has built robust financial systems, delivered two consecutive external audits with no management points and successfully delivered major capital projects supporting pupils and communities.
Her collaborative approach ensures that financial decisions remain aligned with the trust’s core purpose: improving outcomes and opportunities for learners.
The winners of the MAT Excellence Awards 2026 will be announced at the awards ceremony in June.
Find out more about the awards here:
https://matexcellence.co.uk/