Garret Fay (CEO) wins the Youth Sport Trust Campbell Award
Insignis Academy Trust is proud to announce that our CEO, Garret Fay, has been named the winner of the Campbell Award for Network Leader / Local Influencer.
This accolade recognises leaders who have driven significant change within their communities, using the power of PE, sport, and play to positively transform the lives of young people and the schools they attend.
A Vision Beyond the Classroom
The award highlights Garret’s unwavering commitment to the philosophy that physical activity is not merely an "add-on" to the curriculum, but an essential foundation for effective learning and mental health.
Under his leadership, IAT has implemented a forward-thinking strategy that uses physical activity to tackle national challenges such as attendance gaps, inequality, and pupil wellbeing. This vision ensures that every student—from primary through secondary—is guaranteed at least two hours of high-quality PE, play, and sport each week.
National Impact and Local Excellence
Garret’s influence extends far beyond Buckinghamshire. As the Chair of the Youth Sport Trust MAT Advisory Board and a Well Schools Movement advocate, he actively shapes the national educational landscape.
His leadership has turned IAT into a "beacon of excellence," resulting in several major milestones:
- National Recognition: Winning the Youth Sport Trust Outstanding MAT Practice Award 2025.
- Inclusive Innovation: Launching the Insignis School Games, ensuring competitive and recreational sport is accessible to all students, regardless of ability.
- Community Synergy: Strengthening vital partnerships with LEAP Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes Active Partnership, and Active in the Community to open up sporting spaces for grassroots clubs.
Results That Matter: Transforming Outcomes
The true measure of this award lies in the data. Garret’s strategy has led to a remarkable turnaround in student engagement across the Trust:
|
Metric |
Improvement |
|
Trust Attendance |
Rose to an impressive 93.6%. |
|
School Performance |
All IAT schools now meet or exceed national attendance averages (up from 2 out of 6). |
|
The Mandeville School |
Achieved national benchmarks for the first time in over 20 years. |
|
Inclusivity |
Significant attendance and engagement gains for disadvantaged pupils and those with EHCPs. |
"Garret’s leadership and unwavering belief in the power of sport to transform lives has resulted in IAT becoming a beacon for excellence in physical education and wellbeing."
What’s Next for IAT?
This award serves as a testament to the hard work of all our staff and students who have embraced a culture of movement and wellbeing. As we celebrate this achievement, Insignis Academy Trust remains committed to innovating and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive both in the classroom and on the field.


