nasen Award 2026 - Winners Announced!
nasen's tenth annual Awards ceremony took place on 16 October 2026 at the Vox Conference Centre, Birmingham.
The evening welcomed more than 360 guests, celebrated 51 shortlisted finalists, and recognised 19 winners. Those shortlisted represented individuals and organisations whose outstanding work is helping to ensure that children and young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and learning differences can achieve their full potential.
Hosted by nasen (the National Association for Special Educational Needs) and supported by the official partner of the nasen Awards, BeReady, the event celebrated excellence, innovation and dedication across the SEND sector.
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.
Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate on the night, submitted a nomination, sponsored an award, or hosted a table. The nasen Awards would not be possible without your valued support.
For more information, please visit www.nasen.org.uk/awards or follow #nasenAwards2026 on social media.
More photos of the nasen awards evening can be found here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjDajmX
Official Partner of the nasen Awards: BeReady
Table sponsors:
The nasen 2026 Award winners are:
Lifetime Contribution Award
This year's Lifetime Contribution Award was presented posthumously to Noel Duffy, founder and former CEO of Dolphin Computer Access. For more than three decades, Noel dedicated his life to improving access to reading, learning and independence for people with vision impairments and other print disabilities.
His work helped transform accessible reading in education and continues to benefit thousands of learners today. As the first recipient of the award to be honoured in memory, Noel's recognition is a fitting tribute to a remarkable legacy of inclusion and accessibility.
Noel Duffy (Dolphin Computer Access)
Alternative Provision of the Year
Bright Heart Education was recognised for its highly personalised alternative provision supporting children and young people whose needs cannot be met through traditional educational settings. Delivering tailored support for learners with SEND, SEMH needs, EBSNA and complex medical conditions, the organisation combines academic progress, emotional wellbeing and strong safeguarding practices.
Judges praised the strength of evidence submitted, including outstanding attendance, engagement and wellbeing outcomes, alongside powerful testimonials from local authorities and families, demonstrating the life-changing impact of their work.
Bright Heart Education (sponsored by Degree Six)
Changemaker Award
Dr Nicole Ponsford was recognised for her outstanding contribution to advancing inclusion through research, advocacy and innovation. As founder of the Global Equality Collective and creator of the Kaleidoscopic Data framework, she has championed approaches that ensure the voices and experiences of children, young people and families are at the heart of educational improvement.
Her work has influenced schools nationally and internationally, helping educators create more inclusive environments where every learner feels seen, heard and valued.
Dr Nicole Ponsford, Kaleidoscope (sponsored by B Squared)
Community Champion of the Year
Merryfields School was recognised for its exceptional commitment to supporting not only its own pupils but the wider SEND community. Through extensive outreach, training, family support and partnership working, the school has helped improve understanding of SEND across schools, services and local communities.
Its work demonstrates the power of collaboration in creating more inclusive opportunities for children and young people with SEND.
Merryfields School (sponsored by The Dyslexia Shop)
Co-production Initiative of the Year
This pioneering partnership was recognised for placing young people at the centre of decision-making and creating an innovative museum-based model of post-16 education. Through genuine collaboration between educators, cultural organisations, young people and families, the initiative has reimagined what inclusive learning can look like.
Over five years, the partnership has demonstrated the transformative impact of co-production, creating opportunities for neurodivergent young people to thrive in a unique and inspiring environment.
Alice Giles, Pinc College Manchester and Manchester Museum (sponsored by Seashell)
Early Years Provision of the Year
Surbiton Hill Nursery School was recognised for its outstanding commitment to inclusive, neuro-affirming practice and ensuring every child receives the best possible start in life. With specialist SEND provision, extensive family support and a strong culture of inclusion, the nursery has become a respected leader within the early years sector.
The school's exceptional practice has been recognised through multiple national awards and its sixth consecutive Ofsted Outstanding judgement.
Surbiton Hill Nursery School (sponsored by MBK Early Years)
Further Education Provision of the Year
Trafford and Stockport College Group was recognised for its inclusive approach to supporting learners with SEND and its sector-leading Supported Internship programmes. Through innovative practice and strong employer partnerships, the group has created meaningful pathways into employment, further education and training.
Judges praised the exceptional progression outcomes achieved by learners and the group's commitment to removing barriers to success.
Trafford and Stockport College Group (sponsored by Nisai Learning)
Inclusive Technology of the Year
Boxall Profile® Online was recognised for transforming how schools understand and support children and young people with social, emotional and mental health needs. The platform helps educators identify underlying needs, enabling earlier intervention and more inclusive support.
Trusted by thousands of schools, the technology is helping shift the focus from managing behaviour to understanding and meeting children's needs.
Boxall Profile® Online (sponsored by Concero)
International Provision of the Year
The Personalised Learning Department at St Nicholas School Alphaville was recognised for its outstanding inclusive practice within an international school setting. Supporting a diverse community of learners across linguistic, cultural and neurodevelopmental differences, the team has created a model of inclusive education built on belonging, collaboration and personalised support.
Its work demonstrates how inclusion can be embedded at every level of school life.
St Nicholas School Alphaville, Brazil (sponsored by Graduated Provision)
Primary Provision of the Year
Midfield Primary School received the award for its exceptional Treehouse Centre, a specialist provision supporting children with highly complex needs. Combining personalised learning, specialist expertise and meaningful inclusion, the centre enables pupils to thrive while remaining connected to their local community.
Judges highlighted the school's strong leadership, innovative practice and significant influence beyond its own setting through outreach and support for others.
Midfield Primary School (sponsored by Axcis)
Resource for SEND 2026
Therapeutic Thinking was recognised for its significant contribution to inclusive practice across education. The approach helps schools understand behaviour as communication, enabling staff to build supportive, relationship-based responses that reduce exclusions and improve outcomes.
Now used across around 1,800 schools and settings, Therapeutic Thinking continues to drive lasting cultural change throughout the sector.
Therapeutic Thinking (sponsored by Slater and Gordon)
School/MAT Leader of the Year
Cigdem Alkan was recognised for her transformative leadership of the Enfield Communication Advisory Support Service (ECASS). Through a multidisciplinary, early intervention approach, she has improved outcomes for children and young people with speech, language and communication needs across the borough.
Her innovative work has influenced practice beyond Enfield and is helping shape approaches to inclusion at both regional and national level.
Cigdem Alkan (sponsored by Elygra)
Secondary Provision of the Year
Healing Academy was recognised for demonstrating that academic excellence and inclusion can go hand in hand. Through a relational, trauma-informed approach, the school has created a culture where all pupils can achieve while reducing exclusions and improving engagement.
Judges praised the school's innovative practice, exceptional outcomes and commitment to making inclusion a whole-school responsibility.
Healing Academy (sponsored by Carpe Diem)
SENCO of the Year
Jeanette Hill was recognised for an outstanding 30-year career dedicated to improving outcomes for children and young people with SEND. Throughout her time as Head SENCO, she has championed inclusion, built strong partnerships with families and professionals, and inspired colleagues through her expertise and leadership.
As she prepares to retire, Jeanette leaves behind a lasting legacy of inclusive practice and support.
Jeanette Hill (sponsored by PAGS)
Specialist Provision of the Year
Oakwood Academy was recognised for delivering exceptional outcomes for children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans. Through highly personalised learning, strong family partnerships and outstanding preparation for adulthood, the academy enables learners to achieve ambitious goals and successful futures.
Judges were particularly impressed by the academy's destination outcomes and sustained commitment to helping every pupil succeed.
Oakwood Academy (sponsored by Christie & Co)
Support Practitioner of the Year
Kerry Thompson was recognised for her exceptional dedication to supporting children and young people with SEND. Through innovative initiatives including therapeutic interventions, outdoor learning opportunities and therapy dog provision, she has helped countless learners build confidence, improve wellbeing and re-engage with education.
Her compassionate approach has had a lasting impact on both students and families.
Kerry Thompson (sponsored by BeReady)
Teacher of the Year
Nicola Fitzpatrick was recognised for her unwavering commitment to children and young people with complex needs. A passionate advocate for pupils and families, she is known for her creativity, courage and determination to ensure every learner feels understood, supported and able to succeed.
Her work continues to inspire colleagues and improve outcomes for some of the most vulnerable young people in education.
Nicola Fitzpatrick (sponsored by TTS)
Wraparound Provision of the Year
Camp Active Penistone was recognised for providing inclusive wraparound and holiday provision that supports children and young people with SEND to thrive beyond the school day. Through personalised support, strong partnerships and a commitment to accessibility, the organisation has created a welcoming environment for children with a wide range of needs.
Its work plays a vital role in supporting both young people and their families across the local community.
Camp Active Penistone
Young Advocate of the Year
At just 11 years old, Joseph Adams has become a powerful advocate for autism understanding and acceptance. Having written and published four books, alongside delivering school presentations and awareness sessions, he is helping others better understand autistic experiences through the lens of lived experience.
His determination to support other young people has already had a positive impact on schools, communities and families across the country.
