Windsor Academy Trust's Triumph: Leading the Charge in Child Wellbeing Through Sport
In a significant achievement for educational wellbeing, the Windsor Academy Trust has been awarded the prestigious Outstanding Approach to Wellbeing Award at the 2026 Youth Sport Trust Awards. This notable recognition highlights the Trust's commitment to prioritizing student wellbeing alongside academic achievement across its family of schools in the West Midlands.
A Holistic Approach to Education
The Trust, which operates from its headquarters in Halesowen, has successfully integrated physical education, sport, and health within its educational framework. By embedding the Youth Sport Trust’s Well School framework, the Academy Trust has ensured that physical activity is not a mere adjunct but a core component of its educational strategy. This includes structured active breaks and a curriculum that far exceeds national recommendations for physical education.
Transformative Impact on Students
With over 75 percent of pupils participating in at least one physical activity club each week, the focus on health and fitness is evidently making a positive impact on students' lives. Chief Executive Dawn Haywood expressed her pride in the award, stating, “It’s wonderful and humbling to know that we’ve won an award at the Youth Sport Trust Awards. We strive to make a difference to the wellbeing and health of children, not just in our school but in the communities we serve.”
Celebrating the Power of Sport
The 2026 Youth Sport Trust Conference Awards served as a vibrant platform to celebrate the role of sport in fostering inclusivity and improving children’s health and wellbeing. The event was graced by influential figures from the sporting realm, including former England women’s rugby captain Sarah Hunter, who emphasized the importance of grassroots and school-level contributions to the world of sports.
Ward, who presented the award to the Windsor Academy Trust, noted, “Without grassroots level and school level, there isn’t a Red Roses, there isn’t an international level and there isn’t a professional level.” This sentiment resonates with the core mission of the Youth Sport Trust—to build brighter futures for children through the power of sport and play.
The Windsor Academy Trust’s success not only underscores the importance of physical education in fostering well-rounded individuals but also sets a standard for other educational institutions aiming to enhance student wellbeing through sport.
