The leadership team of an academy trust which runs two schools in Oldham has been shortlisted for an award dubbed the "Oscars of education".

The E-ACT is a national multi-academy trust with 29 schools across England including three in Greater Manchester and Oldham - E-ACT Blackley, E-ACT Royton and Crompton and E-ACT The Oldham Academy North.

Now, its leadership team has gained national recognition by being named as a finalist in the prestigious Tes Schools Awards.

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Considered the "Oscars of education", the Tes Schools Awards celebrate the very best in education across the UK.

The winners will be announced on June 21 in a glittering gala awards night at the Grosvenor Hotel in London.

The shortlist was compiled by a panel of expert judges, including school leaders and education specialists.

The finalists chosen showcase the best of education across the sector within 21 award categories, covering all areas of school education.

Under the leadership team’s guidance, E-ACT has established itself as one of the top-performing national trusts in the country.

The academy says its thanks to its leaders' "strategic approach" that underperforming and failing schools have been transformed under the academy "into beacons of best practice".

E-ACT’s primary outcomes are consistently above the national average at Key Stage 2 and secondary attainment is improving at twice the national average, with improvements being particularly remarkable for the most disadvantaged pupils.

All of its schools are rated "good" or "outstanding" by Ofsted for leadership and pupil development, and 93 per cent are rated as "good" or "outstanding" for the quality of education.

Reacting to the shortlisted award, Tom Campbell, CEO of E-ACT said: “E-ACT has been on a transformational journey over the past couple of years, and its success has been driven by the vision and determination of an exceptional team.

"We are all incredibly proud of where we are now as a trust and the life-changing impact our schools have on thousands of young lives every day. 

“Our trust values of team spirit, think big and do the right thing, along with a ‘people first culture’ have enabled us to develop an environment where everyone is working towards the same goals.

"The leadership team is passionate about supporting staff and ensuring the very best for our pupils across Oldham and beyond, as demonstrated by our results.

"Being shortlisted for this prestigious award is fantastic recognition for everything the team has achieved so far. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for June.”

Jon Severs, editor of Tes Magazine added: "Congratulations to all the shortlisted entries - the standard was so high this year despite the challenges schools face.

"It is critical we celebrate excellence and share it widely so we can ensure that the fantastic work happening in education is properly recognised."

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