Heartlands E-Act Academy united hearts and minds among the Tes Schools Awards 2020 judges.

The judges were impressed by the school’s ability to overcome social, cultural and economic barriers to achieve fantastic results and become a great institution for staff and students alike.

Sir Tim Brighouse, a former schools commissioner, singled out Heartlands for doing remarkable work.

He said: “It was always a struggling school in a struggling area, and appears to be doing remarkable work.”

Another judge, school business manager Hilary Goldsmith, said: “I think it’s [Heartlands’] year, they represent that triumph over adversity.”

The judges were also impressed by the staff testimonials provided with the submission pack, commenting on how “genuine” they felt and how happy, valued and supported staff seemed to be.

This is a factor that was picked out by most judges and highlighted as one that carries particular weight, especially in the current climate.

Judge Christine Gilbert, who is a former chief schools inspector, said: “This is a school that makes a reality of the power of education to transform the lives of its students as well as the life of their community.”