CST Wins ‘Teacher Development Initiative’ of the Year at Tes Schools Awards 2026

The Community Schools Trust (CST) has taken home the prestigious Teacher Development Initiative of the Year trophy at the 2026 Tes Schools Awards.

Often celebrated as the "Oscars of education", the national Tes Schools Awards honor the absolute best in British schooling. Representatives from across the UK gathered at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel, where our trust was crowned the national winner for its transformative, high-impact approach to educator coaching and classroom support.

Empowering Staff, Elevating Outcomes

At CST, we know that relentlessly developing our teachers is the single most effective way to improve children's life chances. The Tes judging panel highly commended our network-wide teaching frameworks and structured pedagogical 'Playbook' used across our schools, including Forest Gate Community School and Cumberland Community School.

Crucially, judges praised how our central initiative successfully reduces administrative teacher workload while maintaining some of the highest academic Progress 8 outcomes and GCSE scores in the country.

Levelling the Playing Field

Reflecting on what this recognition means for our wider East London communities, the CST leadership team shared:

"Many of our students come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Ensuring they receive quality-first teaching every hour means they can compete completely on par with their peers—opening doors to top-tier post-16 choices, universities, and careers. This award belongs to our exceptional educators who passionately commit to their professional growth every day."

This landmark 2026 victory marks a brilliant continuation of national recognition for the trust, following our win as Community Trust of the Year at the 2025 MAT Excellence Awards.

A massive congratulations goes out to our central Teaching and Learning Team, our exceptional headteachers, and every member of the CST family who pushes boundaries daily to prove what is possible when a community has high expectations!