On 11th February 2026, leaders from Meridian Trust attended the Education Property Awards at London’s Marriott Grosvenor Square. The multi-academy trust of 35 schools across Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Lincolnshire, and Peterborough was shortlisted as a finalist in two categories.
These included ‘School Project of the Year’ for the Bishop Laney Sixth Form refurbishment at Ely College, and ‘Decarbonisation/Green Project of the Year’ for its Trust-wide Carbon Reduction Initiatives. The Education Property Awards, launched in 2025 by Nexus Media Group, recognise innovative projects transforming UK education spaces.
While the Trust did not win on the night, being named a finalist in both categories represents a major sector-wide recognition of Meridian Trust’s leadership and innovation.
The Bishop Laney Sixth Form refurbishment transformed an ageing tower block into a modern, accessible Post-16 learning environment, delivered on time, on budget, and aligned with Meridian Trust’s sustainable design ambitions. Following a £5 million investment supported by the Department for Education, the project reimagined Needham Tower as a high-quality sixth form hub serving more than 300 students, with state-of-the-art classrooms, collaborative study areas, social spaces, and inclusive design throughout.
Martin Hair, Director of Estates at Meridian Trust, said: “We’re incredibly proud of what has been achieved at Ely College. The project shows what can be accomplished when vision, collaboration, and community focus come together. It’s wonderful to see our Estates and school teams recognised nationally for their hard work.”
Meridian Trust has also made exceptional progress toward its target of becoming carbon net zero by 2030, investing £1.16 million in renewable energy and smart building systems. These initiatives (including the installation of almost 900 solar PV panels and new Building Management Systems across schools) generated over 950,000 kWh of clean electricity, reduced carbon emissions by more than 260 tonnes, and saved over £250,000 in energy costs.
Martin Hair explained: “Our carbon reduction journey is built on data, teamwork, and a genuine desire to make a measurable impact. Recognition from the sector is a huge morale boost and it reinforces that we’re moving in the right direction.”
Mark Woods, CEO of Meridian Trust added: “Being recognised at the Education Property Awards is a testament to the remarkable work of our Estates team, school leaders, and partners. This is a proud moment for everyone involved. Our focus remains on creating inspiring and sustainable high-quality learning environments that genuinely change lives.”
In a sector where innovation often lags, this recognition signals Meridian Trust as leading the way and setting examples for others to follow.
