Creative Education Trust

🏁 They designed them. They built them. Then they raced them.

Students from eight Creative Education Trust schools joined more than 1,000 young people and 90 teams at the STEM On Track National Finals in June 2026.

After months of building, testing and refining their own karts, our students put their learning to the ultimate test on the track at Whilton Mill Go Karting and Outdoor activities. They combined science, technology, engineering and maths with teamwork, communication, precision and resilience.

The experience extended far beyond the racing. Students explored future careers, heard from industry leaders and got close to a real Formula 1 car, while our CEO, Nicole McCartney, joined an executive on stage to discuss the parallels between leading a multi-academy trust and a Formula 1 team.

From the classroom to the racetrack, this was STEM brought vividly to life and a powerful demonstration of what young people can achieve when ambition meets opportunity.

Read the full story:
🔗 https://www.creativeeducationtrust.org.uk/latest-news/sot-finals-26

Proud to see students at The Milton Keynes Academy leading the conversation on sustainability while showcasing the positive impact of renewable energy investment across Creative Education Trust schools. 🌍☀️♻️

We were delighted to welcome the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson MP, to The Milton Keynes Academy today, alongside local MP Emily Darlington - Emily4MK and partners from the Department for Education, Barker Associates, Ashden and Let's Go Zero.

During the visit, the Secretary of State met with students from our sustainability group to discuss climate action and the role young people can play in creating a greener future. She also toured the academy's solar panel installation, which is helping to reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency and support our long-term sustainability ambitions.

Our students spoke passionately about environmental issues and shared how sustainability is helping to shape learning and life at the academy.

As one of the schools already benefiting from a previous Department for Education solar programme, we were proud to showcase how investment in sustainable infrastructure is delivering benefits for both our students and our wider community.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the visit.

Congratulations to everyone who has successfully completed our Aspiring Vice Leadership Programme at a special presentation event at The Bulwell Academy.

It has been inspiring to see these talented leaders translate ambition into action through evidence-informed projects that are already making a positive difference for students, colleagues and school communities across Creative Education Trust.

The breadth of work showcased demonstrates the power of investing in people and creating opportunities for leaders to grow, collaborate and drive meaningful improvement. We are incredibly proud of all six participants and grateful to our colleagues, coaches and Trust leaders who have supported them throughout their journey.

Developing great leaders is fundamental to improving outcomes for young people, and it is fantastic to see the impact of this programme in action. Congratulations to all involved. 👏

Today Ofsted published its inspection report for Thistley Hough Academy.

The report praises a school where students achieve well, feel a strong sense of belonging and are prepared for ambitious futures. They highlighted the academy's inclusive culture, ambitious curriculum and the particularly strong progress made by disadvantaged students, who outperform their peers nationally in English and mathematics.

CEO Nicole McCartney said:
"What stands out in this report is not only the strong outcomes achieved by students, but the culture that has been built at Thistley Hough."

"Inspectors recognised a school where young people feel they belong, are supported to succeed and are encouraged to be ambitious about their futures. That belief sits at the heart of Creative Education Trust's mission to transform lives through education."

🌱 This is what our values look like in practice.

Students at Caister Academy have transformed an overgrown, inaccessible site into a thriving wellbeing and wildlife garden that supports biodiversity, mental health and community engagement.

From monitoring wildlife and growing food to donating produce to the local village larder, the project brings character, creativity and community to life every day. We're delighted that this work has now been recognised by the RHS - Royal Horticultural Society .

Read the story: https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/health-and-wellbeing/blueprint/example-wellbeing-gardens/caister-academy

Students turn inaccessible site into a wildlife haven At Caister Academy, an overgrown site has been regenerated by students, staff and volunteers and is now used for a wide range of activities, from studying insects to exchanging plants and seeds

This week Ofsted has published its inspection report for The Bulwell Academy.

CEO Nicole McCartney said,

"Congratulations to Principal Matt Irons, the whole staff team and students and families at Bulwell. The transformation that has taken place at Bulwell is truly remarkable and I am particularly proud to read that pupils are proud to be part of the Bulwell community.

Matt’s mission was to make Bulwell the heart of the community and he has absolutely succeeded.

We look forward to continuing to support Bulwell to progress and fulfil its ambitions for every pupil, ensuring that every child can realise their unique talents.”

Find out more at https://www.bulwellacademy.org.uk/ofsted