Everton Football Club is celebrating off-the-pitch success this week after its pioneering educational arm brought home a major national trophy from the prestigious Tes Schools Awards 2026.
The People’s Learning Trust (TPLT), which was established by Everton Football Club, has won ‘Trust Team of the Year, 9 schools or fewer’ at the Tes Schools Awards 2026.
The awards celebrate innovation, dedication and best practice across the UK education system, recognising those who go above and beyond for their pupils, staff and communities.
Schools and teachers from across the UK were recognised at a London ceremony hosted by comedian Katherine Ryan at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Friday 19 June.
The victory marks a milestone moment for the Blues’ community legacy. In what was a record year for nominations, the recognition was all the more remarkable as 2025/26 was TPLT’s first year operating as a multi-school trust.
Having originated as Everton Free School and Football College, TPLT has grown to include Bidston Avenue Primary School in Birkenhead, Ellesmere Port’s Meadow Primary School, Oldfield Primary School in Chester and Sefton’s Waterside Academy.
Judges praised the Trust’s track record for transforming schools and improving outcomes for pupils in some of the most challenging circumstances, highlighting the “demonstrable impact” of its SEND provision.
Harnessing Football Partnerships to Drive Social Change
The unique connection to the Premier League club allows the academic network to utilise the power of football to engage young people, raise aspirations, and support families across the Liverpool City Region and beyond.
Steven Baker OBE, Chief Executive Officer of TPLT, said:
“This is an outstanding recognition for our Trust and for the incredible hard work and dedication of all our teachers, staff and students.
“As a Trust, our goal is to harness our partnership with Everton to create an inclusive and forward-thinking network of schools, all with a vision to inspire social change and create greater life opportunities for the next generation, particularly those with complex needs or from underprivileged backgrounds.
“To be recognised by the Tes Schools Awards after just one year operating as a multi-academy trust is testament to that vision and what, through collaboration and a passion for education, we have been able to achieve.”
Everton Hierarchy Praises Short Term Impact of the Network
The accolade highlights how the club’s commitment to its community has evolved from traditional outreach projects into a fully integrated, award-winning educational infrastructure.
Alison Haynes, Chief Tax and Sustainability Officer at Everton Football Club and Chair of Trustees for TPLT, said:
“At Everton, we are extremely proud of our relationship with The People’s Learning Trust and what has been achieved in a relatively short period of time.
“Across its network of schools, the Trust’s pupils are valued and supported to succeed, providing them with foundational literacies and character qualities they need in future life.
“We congratulate TPLT on this magnificent and deserved recognition of its efforts.”
Rod Williams, Chief Executive Officer of TES, commented:
“This year’s winners represent the very best of UK education.
“They are raising standards, supporting their communities and finding new ways to help every pupil succeed.
“With a record number of entries this year, the quality of submissions was exceptional.
“Congratulations to all of this year’s winners and finalists for the extraordinary contribution they make to education.”
To find out more about the educational network’s connection to the football club and its ongoing regional development goals, click here.
READ MORE: Sefton Pride Moves To Southport This Weekend With Town Centre March And Arts Market
