E-ACT Heartlands Academy in Birmingham has been named Secondary School of the Year at the TES Awards 2026, in recognition of its exceptional academic achievements for students from some of the country's most disadvantaged backgrounds. The school, located in Nechells—one of the most deprived wards in England—serves a community where 74% of students are classed as disadvantaged. Birmingham ranks third nationally for deprivation, yet Heartlands consistently outperforms national averages across every key measure, including grades, progress, and attendance.
Outstanding Performance Against the Odds
In 2025, the academy's disadvantaged students outperformed non-disadvantaged students nationally. Attendance stands at 96.8%. The school is also one of a very small number to have retained an Outstanding judgement across all four categories under the previous Ofsted framework.
Sophia Haughton, headteacher at Heartlands, said: "Winning School of the Year is a reflection of every person in our community including our staff, our students, and the families who trust us with their children's education. We have always believed that where you grow up should never determine where you end up, and this recognition is proof that high ambition and genuine care can transform lives, even in the most challenging circumstances. I’m so proud of this win for our staff and our pupils - they are walking around Heartlands today with their heads held high."
Sharing Best Practice Beyond the School
Beyond its own results, Heartlands has become a hub for sharing practice across the system. The academy was among the first schools nationally to be selected as a DfE RISE Behaviour and Attendance Hub, hosting open days for schools from across the country to teach other schools. The school also operates a Community Hub offering family support sessions, and activities run in partnership with Barnardo's, the Aston Villa Foundation, NHS services, and local police.
Recognition from Leadership
Tom Campbell, CEO of E-ACT, said: "E-ACT Heartlands Academy is a truly world-class school and this award is richly deserved. Sophia and her fantastic team show what is possible when exceptional teaching, high expectations and genuine care come together. Heartlands proves that a child’s background should never limit their future. Its pupils are not only achieving outstanding results but developing the confidence and ambition to compete with the very best. I am incredibly proud of everyone at Heartlands and of the way they share their expertise to support schools beyond their own community. This is a wonderful achievement for the academy, for Nechells and for the whole E-ACT family."
The TES Awards, held on Friday 19th June, are widely regarded as the most prestigious annual awards in the education sector.
