The Learning Community Trust celebrated the outstanding achievements of the ‘class of 2026’ at its first ever student awards night.
Students, staff, families and community partners came together at the Mercure Telford Centre Hotel to recognise pupils who have shown resilience, creativity, leadership, kindness and academic excellence this year.
The Trust operates more than a dozen sites across Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin, including five secondary schools – Ercall Wood, Hadley Learning Community, New Road Academy, Charlton, and Burton Borough.
It also runs Wrekin View, Crudgington, Lantern, Allscott, and Hadley Learning Community primary schools, plus specialist education centres Severndale, Kickstart and Queensway.
Codie-Lee Jones, from New Road Academy in Wrockwardine Wood, won the chief executive’s overall award, as well as the ‘together we are stronger’ trophy, in recognition of her teamwork and commitment to the wider community.
Staff described her as an inspiring leader who promotes inclusion through founding a charity providing sports equipment to disadvantaged children and championing women in sport. “Her collaborative approach, dedication to community impact, and leadership within the academy make her an exceptional role model,” they said.
The Trust chair’s award, presented by Kevin Barton, went to Macey Parkes of Ercall Wood Academy in Wellington. She was described as a compassionate and dedicated charity prefect who inspires others through her humility, inclusive leadership, and commitment to making a positive difference.
“Her enthusiasm for both charitable work and the performing arts enriches the school community, fostering belonging, creativity, and strong community spirit,” they said.
The winner of the ‘a trust with a heart’ award for a student demonstrating compassion, humility and care for others went to Harvey Arnold of Burton Borough School in Newport.
The ‘respect for all’ prize for students actively promoting equality, diversity and inclusion was won by Georgina McCarney of Queensway, a two-time student council chair.
The winner of the ‘never leave a child behind’ prize for supporting others in their learning and wellbeing was Tristan Priest of New Road Academy.
The ‘thriving community’ award for students making a meaningful contribution to their local area was won by Mia Reilly of Wrekin View primary school in Wellington for her charity work and role in the school’s ‘Eco Warriors’ group.
Josh Jarvis of Kickstart Academy in Telford won the ‘coping with the challenges of life’ award for determination and perseverance in the face of adversity, and Jessica Burrows of Hadley Learning Community secondary school won the ‘successful young people’ trophy in recognition of her extracurricular activities.
The ‘learning for all’ prize, for a student consistently demonstrating a passion for learning and academic development, went to Elijah Hopkins-Davis from Allscott Meads primary school.
The trophies for the event were designed and made by students from the Trust’s Severndale school in Shrewsbury, and there were three performances on the night from the Learning Community Trust choir.
Learning Community Trust chief executive Paul Roberts said he was ‘filled with pride’ at the achievements of the ‘incredible young people’ across all academies who were living the Trust’s values of collaboration, ambition and inclusion.
“The evening reflected everything that makes our Trust so strong – dedicated staff, supportive families, and most importantly, young people who strive, overcome challenges and inspire others through their actions.
“It was exceptionally difficult to narrow the nominations down – which is a testament to the extraordinary standard and spirit across our Trust.”
