Inspiring Achievement: Windsor Academy Trust Shines at Youth Sport Trust Awards
The Windsor Academy Trust has garnered significant recognition for its exceptional commitment to student wellbeing, winning the prestigious Outstanding Approach to Wellbeing Award at the recent 2026 Youth Sport Trust Awards held at the Telford International Centre. This accolade underscores the Trust's dedication to integrating wellbeing with academic excellence across its family of schools in the West Midlands.
Championing Wellbeing Through Sport
With a visionary focus, the Windsor Academy Trust has made physical education (PE), sport, and physical activity central to its mission, aiming to empower pupils to thrive. The Trust has embedded the Youth Sport Trust’s Well School framework, creating an environment where over 75% of students engage in at least one physical activity club weekly, far exceeding national standards for PE curriculum time.
Chief Executive Dawn Haywood expressed her pride in the award, stating, “It’s absolutely wonderful and it’s very humbling to know that we’ve won an award at the Youth Sport Trust Awards.” She emphasized the integral connection between health and education, asserting that addressing both health and educational disparities is paramount for unlocking students' full potential.
A Celebration of Impactful Contributions
The awards evening celebrated not just achievements but the spirit of inclusivity, gathering notable figures from the sports community, including former England women’s rugby captain Sarah Hunter and Rugby World Cup winner Abbie Ward. Hosted by TV personality Radzi Chinyanganya, the event was filled with inspiring narratives that highlighted how sport can be a transformative force within educational settings.
Ward specifically noted the importance of grassroots and school-level contributions to sports, stating, “Without the grassroots level and the school level there isn’t a Red Roses, there isn’t an international level and there isn’t a professional level.” This sentiment underlines the crucial role that educators and community leaders play in shaping future sporting talent and promoting healthy lifestyles among youth.
Moving Forward with Purpose
The Youth Sport Trust Annual Conference Awards not only recognize outstanding initiatives but also inspire ongoing efforts to use sport as a means of enhancing the lives of young people. As the Windsor Academy Trust continues its mission to advance children's health and wellbeing through sport, it sets a compelling example for schools across the nation, paving the way for a brighter future built on the principles of inclusivity and positive engagement.
To learn more about how the Youth Sport Trust is transforming lives through sport, please visit their website.
