Holly Grove School, Burnley

Holly Grove School is a specialist primary school in Burnley supporting children with a wide range of additional needs. Through an inclusive and nurturing approach, the school places wellbeing at the heart of learning and creates opportunities for every pupil to develop confidence, independence and resilience. Physical activity, positive relationships and personalised support are embedded across school life, helping children to feel safe, valued and able to participate, while ensuring every pupil is supported to achieve their full potential.

Connor Moffatt, Assistant Headteacher 

Connor has more than 10 years' experience across mainstream and specialist education. He has led whole-school approaches to wellbeing, PE and physical activity, alongside staff development focused on inclusive and trauma-informed practice. As a former Inclusion Manager supporting more than 40 schools, Connor championed physical literacy, mental health and pupil voice. He has delivered professional development across East Lancashire and internationally, and is committed to embedding wellbeing at the heart of school culture, leadership and learning. 

Withernsea High School,

East Riding of Yorkshire 

Withernsea High School is a community secondary school serving young people across the Holderness area. The school is committed to helping every student thrive through a broad curriculum, strong pastoral support and meaningful opportunities beyond the classroom. Wellbeing, enrichment and strong community partnerships play an important role in school life, helping students develop confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging. This whole-school approach supports young people to achieve academically while developing the skills and experiences they need for their future.

Nick Richmond, Teacher of PE, School Sport and Enrichment Co-ordinator

Nick has worked in education for more than 10 years, beginning his career as a PE teacher before progressing into leadership. Alongside teaching, he co-ordinates school sport across a cluster of primary schools and leads whole-school enrichment, strengthening links between education and the wider community. Nick has extensive experience of school evaluation, quality assurance and leadership development, with a particular focus on the role of PE, sport and play in driving whole-school improvement. 

High Tunstall College of Science, Hartlepool 

High Tunstall College of Science is an 11–16 secondary school serving the west of Hartlepool. The school combines high-quality education with an inclusive approach and a strong commitment to developing the whole child. Sport, physical activity and wider opportunities are an important part of school life, helping students build confidence, relationships and a sense of belonging. Through its strong sporting tradition, supportive culture and community partnerships, the school creates opportunities for young people to develop, achieve and thrive both inside and beyond the classroom.

Mark Tilling, Headteacher 

Mark has been Headteacher of High Tunstall College of Science since 2010 and is committed to creating opportunities for young people through inclusive education. He has led significant investment in the school's facilities while promoting sport as a key part of school life, with students able to access more than 25 different sports. Mark also holds several governance roles and is passionate about building strong partnerships that benefit both the school and the wider community.

Hayle Academy, Cornwall 

Hayle Academy is part of Truro and Penwith Academy Trust and serves around 650 students aged 11–16. The academy is committed to helping every young person fulfil their potential through high-quality teaching, strong pastoral support and a culture that values health and wellbeing. Physical activity, personal development and enrichment form an important part of the wider school experience, providing opportunities for students to build confidence, ambition and resilience while developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours they need to thrive.

Tamsin Hosking, Assistant Headteacher 

Tamsin is an experienced educator and Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for Sport and Performing Arts, PSHE and Personal Development. She has worked with Youth Sport Trust throughout her career in a range of leadership roles and values the support the organisation provides to schools. Tamsin is passionate about creating inclusive learning environments where physical activity supports learning, wellbeing and personal development, while ensuring every student has access to high-quality enrichment opportunities. 

Burnley High School, Lancashire

Burnley High School is an 11–16 secondary school within The Education Partnership Trust. Built around a strong family ethos, the school combines high expectations with excellent pastoral care and a commitment to ensuring every young person feels known, valued and supported. Wellbeing, positive relationships and inclusive practice are embedded across school life, helping students develop confidence, resilience and a sense of belonging. Through this supportive culture, the school aims to create the conditions in which both students and staff can flourish and succeed.

Emma Lewis, Headteacher 

Emma has worked at Burnley High School for 10 years and has served as Headteacher for the past five. With 18 years' experience in education, she is committed to improving outcomes for young people through relational and trauma-informed leadership. Emma champions inclusive school cultures where wellbeing, belonging and physical activity support learning, helping both students and staff to flourish.

Dame Dorothy Primary School, Sunderland 

Dame Dorothy Primary School is a welcoming primary school that places health, wellbeing and physical activity at the centre of everyday learning. Movement is embedded throughout school life, with children encouraged to be active and develop positive habits from an early age. Through an inclusive culture, strong relationships and a commitment to creating opportunities for every child, the school uses physical activity to support learning, confidence and wellbeing, helping pupils develop the skills, behaviours and sense of belonging they need to thrive.

Iain Williamson, Headteacher 

Iain has led Dame Dorothy Primary School since 2009 and is a passionate advocate for the role of physical activity in children's learning and wellbeing. Under his leadership, movement has become a central part of school life through initiatives including daily running sessions, an active uniform and opportunities for every child to be physically active. His work has attracted national recognition and continues to influence conversations around children's health and education.

Our Lady & St Chad Catholic Academy, Wolverhampton 

Our Lady & St Chad Catholic Academy is part of St Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Multi Academy Trust. Guided by strong values and high aspirations, the academy places wellbeing, relationships and personal development at the heart of its approach to school improvement. High-quality teaching is supported by strong pastoral care and opportunities for students to develop their character, confidence and voice. Through this whole-school culture, the academy aims to ensure every young person feels supported, valued and able to flourish academically, socially and personally.

Louisa Craig, Principal 

Louisa is Principal of Our Lady & St Chad Catholic Academy and a senior leader within St Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Multi-Academy Trust. She has extensive experience in school improvement, safeguarding, behaviour and strategic leadership, alongside being a qualified British Judo Level 3 coach. Louisa champions the role of wellbeing, character development and student voice in helping young people achieve their potential and believes these principles are central to long-term school improvement. 

St Breock Primary School, Cornwall 

St Breock Primary School is part of Aspire Academy Trust and places wellbeing, physical activity and outdoor learning at the heart of school life. The school is committed to creating an inclusive, supportive environment where every child feels they belong and has opportunities to flourish. Movement and active learning are embedded throughout the school experience, supporting children's physical, emotional and social development. This whole-school approach helps pupils develop confidence, positive relationships and healthy habits while supporting their engagement, wellbeing and success in learning.

Sian Hall, Head of School 

Sian is Head of School at St Breock Primary and Strategic Lead for PE, School Sport and Physical Activity across Aspire Academy Trust's 38 primary schools. She has worked closely with Youth Sport Trust to embed physical activity and wellbeing across the trust and played a key role in achieving the first Youth Sport Trust Outstanding Practice Award for a multi-academy trust in 2023. Sian believes physical activity is fundamental to children's academic success, wellbeing and personal development.