We are delighted to announce the winners of this year's NASS Awards, following an inspiring ceremony held at the Queens Hotel in Leeds on Thursday 3rd October.
Our four judges joined us at the event to recognise the incredible work of our special schools in supporting children and young people with SEND, driven by the passion of those who work within them.
With a record number of entries this year, our judges faced the tough task of narrowing down the list. We greatly appreciate their dedication in thoughtfully evaluating each entry. Thank you to:
- Matt Keer - SEND parent and contributor to Special Needs Jungle
- Deirdre Fitzpatrick - Special school consultant, trainer and inspector
- Sharon Gray OBE - Education Consultant, Wholehearted Learning
- Will Washington - Commercial Director, The Edwin Grou
You can read about all the finalists and their entries in our Awards Ceremony programme.
Here are the winners for the 2024 NASS Awards
Breaking Barriers Award
Winner:
‘Increasing Accessibility And Inclusivity For Students With A Physical Disability’ - Treloar School
Click here to watch a short video about Treloar's winning entry
Finalists:
‘Little Hares’ - Mary Hare School
‘Poetry by Heart Project’ - Great Howarth School
Innovation Award
Winner:
‘Children’s Community Cooking Project - Tackling Food Waste And Food Poverty’ - Aurora Hanley School
Click here to watch a short video about Aurora Hanley's winning entry
Finalists:
‘Music Technology And Podcast Project’ - Arc Oakbridge
‘Sensory Careers Project’ - The Children’s Trust
Outstanding Impact Award
Winner:
‘The embedding of Relational Practice at Gretton School’ - Gretton School
Click here to watch a short video about Gretton School's winning entry
Finalists:
‘The Undershaw Diploma’ - Undershaw Education Trust
‘Outstanding achievement and educational practices within the first year’ - Dovecote School
Special Contribution Award
Winner:
Jenny McConnell - Principal, Dawn House
Click here to watch a short video about why Jenny was nominated
Finalists:
Richard Nancollis - Interim Head Teacher, Ashcroft School & Deputy Head for Post 16, Inscape House School
Dr. Mimi Kirke-Smith - Head of HEART and Therapy, West Heath School
Congratulations to all the winners and finalists! We would also like to extend our gratitude to Edwin Group for sponsoring this year's awards and helping us to celebrate the success of all our finalists.
If you are a NASS member and feel inspired to enter next year, the 2025 NASS Awards will open for entries on Thursday 1st May 2025.