MAT Excellence Award Nominations 2024

The Golden Thread Alliance, based in Dartford and Gravesham, has been nominated for the ‘Inclusivity Award’ and the ‘Staff Development Award’ at the MAT Excellence Awards 2024. These award nominations are a fantastic achievement for the Trust and something that they’re incredibly proud of. The Trust was formed in January 2023 and is already going from strength to strength with nine schools currently within its inclusive community.   

Garry Ratcliffe, CEO of The Golden Thread Alliance said “I am delighted that the whole team is being recognised for their commitment towards inclusive provision.  To also be nominated for our work on staff development, is a real cause for celebration.” 

The MAT Excellence Awards is a unique event that gives Trusts nationwide the opportunity to celebrate their achievements, including their impact on pupils, staff and the wider community. The nominations are considered by a panel of experts, all with their own backgrounds in Multi Academy Trust roles. The event is an exciting opportunity for Trusts to come together and celebrate with their peers and colleagues. Categories include ‘Wellbeing Trust of the Year’ and ‘Environmental Trust of the Year’.  

The ‘Inclusivity Award’ is given to the Trust that reflects a values-led and inclusive ethos in all that it does. Through its vision, values and pledges, there is a Golden Thread of Inclusion through each academy, each colleague, each pupil, and each family. The Trust prides itself on its diversity and inclusivity, “It’s our diversity that makes us strong. It drives us to celebrate our differences rather than downplaying them and to support our staff and students in the most suitable way for their needs and aspirations.” 

Being shortlisted for the ‘Staff Development’ award is a brilliant reflection of the Golden Thread’s commitment to their staff and their unwavering dedication to the empowerment of all within their Trust. The Trust has created an exceptional ‘Golden Training Pledge’ for its staff that includes internal continuous personal development and exciting opportunities for progression. They believe that learning is an ongoing journey and fundamental to future success. The Trust balances wellbeing with high performance by empowering staff at every level.  

Mr Ratcliffe said “I want to thank our amazingly dedicated and skilled team at The Golden Thread Alliance – every teacher, member of support staff, central team colleagues – everyone contributed to us being nominated for these awards.  Win or lose on the night, to be nominated is a great achievement.”