Educate Awards, the North West’s most prestigious celebration of education, has welcomed new sponsors, Thrive Education Group and its training partner, Teach+ ahead of its 2026 ceremony. Together, they are supporting the fifteenth anniversary event and backing the Most Inspirational Specialist School category.
Thrive Education Group works with schools and local authorities across the Liverpool City Region to help build safe, skilled and well‑supported teams through recruitment, tuition and training. The organisation provides fully vetted teachers, teaching assistants, midday supervisors, administrators and caretakers, offering everything from same‑day supply to long‑term and permanent placements. Its tuition desk also delivers tutoring across the region.
Meanwhile, Teach+ delivers training to schools nationwide and to Thrive’s staff. Its CPD‑accredited positive intervention programme has been designed by chartered clinical psychologist Dr Carol Sadler and is delivered by Ofqual assessed tutors.
The programme supports staff to prevent and de‑escalate distressed behaviour, build positive relationships and use NFPS‑certified physical intervention safely, ensuring schools receive trauma‑informed, expert guidance every step of the way, including access to psychologists.
Commenting on being a sponsor for the Most Inspirational Specialist School award, Ryan Davies, COO and education services manager at Thrive Education Group, said:
“Every day we see the difference exceptional school staff make, often in the hardest moments of a child’s day.
“Our role is to make sure schools have the right people in place to do that work, and the Educate Awards shine a light on it brilliantly. We’re honoured to be part of the fifteenth anniversary and to celebrate the specialist schools that put children first, every single day.”
Ian Rafferty, CEO and lead trainer at Teach+, added:
“Sponsoring Most Inspirational Specialist School felt like a natural fit for us. Specialist schools lead the way in understanding children, building trust and helping every child feel safe, and that is exactly what our training is built around. When staff feel confident and supported, children feel it too. Those are the values that matter most to us, and it’s a privilege to recognise the schools that live them.”
Marking its fifteenth year, Educate Awards continues to shine a spotlight on the nurseries, schools, colleges and multi academy trusts making a real impact across the North West.
The Most Inspirational Specialist School award recognises specialist settings that demonstrate an exceptional dedication to supporting students aged three-18 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). The award highlights the environments that demonstrate inclusive practice, tailored support and innovative teaching that help students thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
This year’s shortlisted specialist schools have been recognised by judges as being transformational in the lives of young people, removing barriers, creating opportunities and engaging families in meaningful ways. Each finalist has built a strong sense of community, ensuring every student feels valued and empowered.
Kim O’Brien, founder of Educate Awards, said:
“We’re delighted to welcome Thrive Education Group and Teach+ as sponsors. Their work plays a vital role in supporting schools across our region, from helping leaders build strong, skilled teams to providing high‑quality, trauma‑informed training that equips staff to support every child with confidence.
“Their commitment to improving the experiences of pupils and the adults who care for them aligns closely with the values celebrated in our Most Inspirational Specialist School award. We’re incredibly grateful for their support in our fifteenth anniversary year.”
With the shortlist now announced, schools and education organisations across the region are eagerly awaiting the awards ceremony at Liverpool Cathedral on Friday, 13 November, when the winners will be revealed. The ceremony promises to be an unforgettable celebration of the staff, leaders and teams shaping the future for young people across the North West.
To stay up to date with the awards, visit educateawards.co.uk or follow Educate Awards on Instagram and LinkedIn.