North West Academy Trust announced as Finalist for:- 'Best Run' Educational Trust Award

ENDEAVOUR Learning Trust has been named a finalist for the National Governance Association's 2025 Outstanding Governance in a Multi Academy Trust Award, celebrating its spirited leadership, values-driven accountability and genuine community partnership.

The winner of the award will be announced at a special ceremony at the Houses of Parliament in September.

At the heart of Endeavour's success lies its Realising Potential strategic plan. A team of over 100 trustees and local academy Councillors use:- termly reports, rigorous audits and regular feedback, from the communities, served by the Trust to keep safeguarding, SEND support, financial stewardship and environmental improvements on track.

Meanwhile, inquisitive:- "curiosity visits" to classrooms, vibrant parent advisory panels and the annual Endeavour Awards bring fresh perspectives and spark ideas that ripple through every one of its academies.

David Clayton, CEO of the Endeavour Learning Trust, said:- "Seeing the enthusiasm of students, colleagues, trustees and local academy Councillors working side by side; questioning, exploring and celebrating together; reminds me of our trust's guiding purpose. Our 'circle of collaboration' is a living conversation that has driven us from six Schools to nine in just 18 months, without ever losing sight of our commitment to individualised care reflecting the unique character of each School within our Trust family."

The continued development of Endeavour has supported the Trust in delivering on its ambitions to do more and go further for the communities it serves by broadening educational pathways and strengthening pastoral support across Lancashire.

That progress was also recognised earlier this year when Endeavour collected the MAT of the Year title at the National Multi Academy Trust Awards.

£9.5 million Government boost to save lives on North of England's riskiest roads

2 of England's most high risk roads will benefit from £9.5m in Government investment to improve safety, the Department for Transport was announced on:- Friday 18 July 2025.

A boost of £7.6 million will deliver life saving improvements on the iconic:- A57 Snake Pass, in Derbyshire, and £1.8 million will go towards the final phase of safety improvements to the:- A583 Blackpool Road, in Lancashire, ensuring safer journeys for drivers across the North of England.

This funding will deliver a vital package of safety improvements, including:- speed limit signage, improved visibility, stabilisation of the carriageway, and a dedicated motorcycle safety barrier.

The Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said:- "Anyone driving on the A57 Snake Pass knows how risky it can feel. Now this iconic road, as well as the A583 Blackpool Road, will benefit from life saving road improvements, making journeys safer for thousands of road users across the North, and more peace of mind for their loved ones. To go even further, we're delivering our 1st Road Safety Strategy in over a decade, to ensure the UK's roads remain among the safest in the world."

A vital cross-Pennine route running through the heart of the Peak District, connecting Sheffield, Derbyshire and Manchester, the A57 Snake Pass is an iconic scenic route which connects thousands across the North and Midlands.

Over the next 20 years, the funding is expected to prevent more than 93 fatal and serious collisions over the next 20 years, as well as reduce congestion and lower emissions.

Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham, said:- "The A57 Snake Pass is a vital cross-Pennine route connecting two of the North's biggest economies, so it's absolutely vital that people can travel safely and reliably between:- here, Sheffield and beyond across South Yorkshire. This welcome investment will deliver much needed improvements that will help to save lives and reduce serious injuries. I look forward to these life-saving changes being delivered."

A583 Blackpool Road is a key route linking:- Preston and Blackpool, and this new phase of funding will deliver enhanced active travel infrastructure, reduced speed limits, junction cameras, and improved pedestrian facilities.

Support is expected to prevent 3 fatal and serious injuries over the next 20 years, and reduce emissions and congestion, while providing more options for active travel, to help more people get to work, School and appointments in a safe and healthy way.

South Yorkshire's Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said:- "The Snake Pass is a vital connection between:- Sheffield and Manchester, connecting two of the biggest cities in the north. It's a road that's used by thousands of us every day, but one that's been plagued by closures, stop-start repairs and an uncertain future. I would like even better connections between:- the big cities of the north, but this funding is an important step in the right direction, helping to create safer, more reliable journeys, and protecting a fundamentally important connection across the Peak District."

Both schemes will help deliver the Government's Plan for Change by easing pressure on the NHS and helping to reduce waiting lists. They will boost economic growth and help put more money back into the pockets of working people.

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