Outstanding careers education across Esteem Multi-Academy Trust has been recognised at the East Midlands Combined County Authority’s ‘From Skills to Careers: A Regional Celebration’ Awards Ceremony, with colleagues from across the Trust receiving awards and nominations for their work in preparing young people for the future.
Leading the celebrations was Michaela Gregory, Careers Lead at Bracken Hill School, who won the Careers Excellence Transformation Award in recognition of her outstanding leadership in transforming careers education for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
It was a successful afternoon for the Trust, with Esteem North Academy also winning the Excellence in Work Experience Innovation Award, while careers leaders from Bennerley Fields School and Esteem North Academy were shortlisted in other award categories.
Michaela’s latest success completes a remarkable hat-trick of recognition for Bracken Hill School’s careers programme, following the Discover Ashfield Careers Education in Schools Award in 2023 and Michaela’s Discover Ashfield Careers, Education, Information, Advice and Guidance Highly Commended Award in 2024.
Having worked at Bracken Hill School for the past 10 years, Michaela has served as Careers Lead for most of that time. During that period, she has transformed the school’s careers provision, embedding careers education throughout school life and ensuring students have access to meaningful experiences that prepare them for adulthood.
Judges praised Michaela for leading significant transformation within the school, strengthening engagement and ensuring proactive participation in activities that improve student outcomes. Through her strategic leadership, she secured the full involvement of the Senior Leadership Team in the school’s careers programme, with the Headteacher completing the internal leadership review and contributing to peer-to-peer sessions to drive innovation and support ongoing school improvement.
Her commitment to creating opportunities for students was also highlighted. Michaela has developed strong partnerships with employers including E.ON, Asda and Asmech Engineering, arranging workplace visits, employer encounters and careers experiences that broaden students’ aspirations and prepare them for the world of work. Judges described her determination as a standout strength, noting that she “will not take ‘no’ for an answer” when advocating for her students and creating new opportunities.
Bracken Hill Headteacher Richard Jackson said: “Michaela’s latest award is richly deserved and recognises the outstanding contribution she has made to careers education at Bracken Hill School over the past decade.
“She has transformed opportunities for our students through her passion, vision and determination, building exceptional relationships with employers and ensuring careers education is embedded throughout the school. Her unwavering commitment means our young people leave Bracken Hill with the confidence, skills and aspirations they need for adult life.
“To see Michaela recognised once again, and for our careers programme to receive its third successive accolade, is a fantastic achievement and one that everyone associated with Bracken Hill School is incredibly proud of.”
The evening also saw Esteem North Alternative Provision receive the Excellence in Work Experience Innovation Award, recognising an enterprise project that gave Key Stage 3 pupils hands-on experience of the world of work. Through the art curriculum, students designed and developed their own merchandise, including tote bags, T-shirts, badges and mugs, before exploring branding, pricing strategies, customer appeal and marketing. The project culminates with pupils selling their products at Chesterfield Market, providing valuable real-world business experience.
In addition to the award winners, Geraint Brown, Careers Lead at Esteem North Academy, was shortlisted for the Opportunity for All Award, recognising his commitment to ensuring students in alternative provision can access the same high-quality careers education, guidance and opportunities as their peers.
Meanwhile, Rachel Raisin Moss, Careers Lead at Bennerley Fields School, was shortlisted for the Inclusive Futures Leadership Award in recognition of her work embedding careers education across the curriculum, developing pupil careers champions, introducing accessible skills passports and creating an inclusive work experience offer.
The regional recognition reflects Esteem Multi-Academy Trust’s commitment to providing high-quality, inclusive careers education across its schools, helping every young person develop the skills, confidence and experiences they need to achieve their ambitions and prepare for life beyond education.
