Exceed Learning Partnership Celebrates Excellence at the 2026 Festival of Arts and Ambition Awards

The very best of Exceed Learning Partnership was on display as pupils, colleagues, families, governors and invited guests came together at CAST Theatre for the 2026 Festival of Arts and Ambition Awards.

The annual celebration showcased the exceptional talent, creativity and achievements from across the Trust, recognising excellence both in and beyond the classroom while celebrating the values that unite our ten academies.

Guests were welcomed into the theatre by a vibrant Festival of Arts Exhibition, featuring artwork from every Exceed academy. Each school created its own display alongside a collaborative centrepiece, transforming the venue into a striking celebration of creativity, imagination and artistic expression. The exhibition reflected the breadth of opportunities available to pupils across the Trust and provided the perfect introduction to an afternoon dedicated to ambition, achievement and community.

The afternoon began with the Pupil Ambition Awards, recognising pupils whose achievements embody the very best of Exceed Learning Partnership. Awards were presented to children and young people who have demonstrated exceptional accomplishment across a wide range of areas, including academic excellence, creativity, sport, personal development, attendance, leadership and service to their communities. The ceremony celebrated not only outstanding achievement, but also the resilience, determination and character our pupils demonstrate every day as they strive to fulfil their potential.

The celebrations were brought to life through a series of inspiring performances from the Exceed Trust Choir and talented students from Hall Cross Academy. Their outstanding musical and performing arts performances captivated the audience, showcasing the incredible creativity, confidence and talent that continues to flourish across our academies. Together, the awards and performances highlighted the importance of the arts in developing self-expression, collaboration and aspiration, while demonstrating that success comes in many forms.

Following a short interval, the focus shifted to recognising the extraordinary dedication of Exceed colleagues during the Exceed Staff Awards. The ceremony celebrated those who make a lasting difference to the lives of children and young people every day, with awards recognising excellence across teaching, leadership, inclusion, innovation, integrity, support services and community impact.

The evening also provided a proud opportunity to honour colleagues reaching significant long service milestones, recognising those who have dedicated 20, 25, 30 and 35 years to education. Their commitment, professionalism and passion have shaped the lives of countless pupils and colleagues, leaving a lasting legacy across our schools and communities.

Throughout the event, inspiring performances, heartfelt tributes and emotional award presentations created a fitting celebration of the people who make Exceed Learning Partnership such a special place to learn and work.

Speaking after the event, Beryce Nixon OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Exceed Learning Partnership, said:

"The Festival of Arts and Ambition Awards is one of the highlights of our year because it celebrates everything that makes our Trust so special. From the outstanding achievements of our pupils to the unwavering dedication of our colleagues, the evening reflected our shared commitment to ensuring every child has every chance, every day."

The evening also provided an opportunity to recognise an individual whose contribution to Exceed Learning Partnership has been truly exceptional. After 34 years of dedicated service at Hall Cross Academy, Principal Simon Swain was celebrated as he prepares to begin a new chapter within the Trust's central team. Simon's unwavering commitment to generations of young people, colleagues and the wider school community has helped shape Hall Cross Academy into the thriving school it is today. His leadership, compassion and dedication have left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire both pupils and colleagues for years to come.

Closing the event, Damian Allen, Chief Executive of City of Doncaster Council, reflected on the power of ambition, opportunity and collaboration in shaping brighter futures for children and young people across Doncaster.

The 2026 Festival of Arts and Ambition Awards was a celebration of everything Exceed Learning Partnership stands for: excellence, creativity, inclusion and community. Congratulations to every nominee, performer, winner, volunteer and colleague who helped make the event such an unforgettable occasion. Together, they demonstrated what is possible when we work together to ensure Every Child, Every Chance, Every Day.