Northern schools and individuals recognised at nasen Awards 

A number of Northern schools, individuals and organisations have scooped national awards from the 2023 nasen Awards. 

Schools and individuals in Liverpool, Cheshire, Manchester and Yorkshire were recognised for their outstanding work to ensure that children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and learning differences to reach their full potential. This was alongside other institutions nationwide and one provision internationally. 

The inspiring ceremony, held at the Grand Hotel Birmingham on Friday (6 October 2023), was hosted by nasen – the National Association for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities – and supported by official media sponsors, TES. nasen is a charitable membership organisation that exists to support and champion those working with, and for, children and young people with SEND and learning differences. 

Schools, individuals and organisations were recognised alongside TRGA, judged by a panel of leading professionals with a wealth of experience in education and SEND – as well as individuals with lived experience. 

The Ruth Gorse Academy in Leeds was crowned Secondary Provision of the Year at nasen’s seventh annual awards.  

The academy was recognised for its outstanding work in supporting children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and learning differences to reach their full potential. 

Located in one of the most deprived areas within Leeds, the staff at The Ruth Gorse Academy (TRGA), part of The GORSE Academies Trust, were celebrated for their amazing work in driving forward innovation to ensure all teaching and learning initiatives for pupils with SEND are truly inclusive. 

Speaking of their win, Ben Mallinson, principal at TRGA said: “On behalf of The GORSE Academies Trust and The Ruth Gorse Academy, I would like to thank nasen for this prestigious award. The award is testament to the work of our incredible teaching and non-teaching staff, our supportive parents and most of all, our inspiring SEND students.  

“Our SEND journey has been about creating a culture whereby all members of staff are a champion of SEND, and in particular championing SEND students from disadvantaged backgrounds. We are thankful for our daily experiences working with and alongside our students.” 

Chief Executive of nasen, Annamarie Hassall MBE, said: “The Ruth Gorse Academy should be extremely proud of what they have achieved. We received the greatest number of nominations this year, telling stories of deserving schools, colleges and settings that are working together to make a difference for children and young people. 

“All our winners, and those nominated, are true role models for the sector, shaping practice in their setting, whilst leading and inspiring others. They exemplify what is making a difference for learners with SEND and most of all, for inclusion.” 

Other Northern winners from this year’s nasen Awards include: 

• Andrew Poole from Everton Free School, Liverpool – Winner of the Leader or Leadership Team of the Year Award, sponsored by National Education Union 
• Georgina Durrant an author and podcaster from Cheshire – Winner of The David Ryan Award for Positive Media Impact– in honour of late nasen trustee, David Ryan, sponsored by nasen Connect 
• Maham Butt from Hopwood Hall College in Manchester – Winner of Young Advocate of the Year (aged 17 and over), sponsored by Christie and Co 
• University of Bradford, Yorkshire – Winner of Early Years Provision of the Year, sponsored by Nursery World 
• NHS England Choices College, Yorkshire – Winner of Specialist Provision of the Year, sponsored by The Edwin Group 

For more information on the nasen Awards, and to find out more about the winners, click here or follow #nasenAwards2023