Campbell Award - Network Leader | Local Influencer
Sponsored by Complete PE
Awarded to a network leader who has influenced change in their area that has positively impacted on schools and young people through PE, sport and play.
Winner
Ben Levinson OBE, The Tapscott Learning Trust, London
Ben Levinson is an enthusiastic leader and advocate for youth wellbeing, whose commitment to enhancing positive mental health and promoting physical activity has had a significant impact on young people and educators alike. Through his collaboration with the Youth Sport Trust and the implementation of innovative practices Ben has driven positive change, empowering young voices and fostering a positive approach to wellbeing within his own school.
Furthermore, as chair of the Well School Collective, he is instrumental in supporting other schools on their own wellbeing journeys as well. Ben has successfully brought together educators and school leaders through initiatives like the Well Schools Festivals, where participants can exchange ideas and best practices. Ben’s leadership has been crucial in connecting schools with vital resources and expertise, helping them implement effective wellbeing strategies.
Within Ben’s own school, he drives a consistent focus on integrating physical and mental wellbeing into everyday practice. One of his most notable initiatives was running a marathon around the school playground during National School Sport Week, which not only inspired students to embrace physical activity but also highlighted the importance of mental resilience. His efforts have shown how schools can create environments where both physical and mental health thrive.
Through his advocacy work, Ben has championed wellbeing at a national level. He has collaborated with Youth Sport Trust and the Department for Education to improve teacher wellbeing and is consulting across the Youth Sport Trust network to develop a toolkit to help reduce workload for school leaders. His relentless pursuit of systemic change has made him a key figure in shaping educational practices that prioritise the mental and physical health of both students and staff.
Ben’s leadership, dedication, and innovative approach has led to significant improvements in school practices and culture, and he continues to inspire others to embrace and push for change.
Highly Commended
James Mooney, Senior Curriculum Leader for Physical Education - Cabot Learning Federation, Bristol
James has been a leading force in transforming physical education practice, both locally within his multi-academy trust, as well as regionally and nationally through his work with the Youth Sport Trust. An exceptional networker and connector, James is passionate about building relationships and creating opportunities that benefit young people. For nearly a decade, he has collaborated closely with Youth Sport Trust to support 35 schools across Bristol, Gloucestershire, and Somerset, driving improvements in PE, sport, and play. As a Lead PE CatalYST for Youth Sport Trust, James has also provided support for other Trusts both locally and nationally.
James leads the charge in creating opportunities for every student in his Trust, ensuring PE and physical activity are accessible, inclusive, and impactful. His role in developing the Well School Trust approach in his Trust has had a significant impact, fostering greater collaboration amongst students and creating a more inclusive curriculum that encourages broader participation in physical activities. Further to this, he also plays a key role in managing the Trust’s partnerships with School Games and Girls’ Football.
Through curriculum development, providing staff continual professional development (CPD) courses, championing physical literacy, collaborating with National Governing Bodies (NGBs) and local clubs, and investing in their Youth Sport Trust membership, James has worked with exceptional drive to create the best opportunities and support for every student and member of staff. He is developing a test-and-learn Youth Voice project focused on young people who struggle in traditional mainstream school settings, aiming to identify effective strategies for their success and share these insights across the Trust. He has also worked alongside Aspire multi-academy trust in Cornwall and contributed to national resources and case studies, ensuring that youth voice and physical literacy remain central in his work.
James is a recognised thought leader and positive disruptor, creating significant lasting change within his schools and inspiring others to do the same.
Full list of shortlisted entries:
- Adrian Bethune, Founder, Teachappy
- Farhan Adam, Principal, Crown Hills Community College, Leicester
- Sue Watmough, Headteacher, Manchester Communication Academy, Manchester
- Ben Levinson OBE, The Tapscott Learning Trust, London
- James Mooney, Senior Curriculum Leader for Physical Education, School Sport & Physical Activity, Cabot Learning Federation, Bristol
- Dan Moody, Partnership Manager & School Games Organiser, Dorset
- Mark Tilling, Headteacher, High Tunstall College of Science, Hartlepool
- John O'Callaghan, Partnership Director, Hertfordshire Sports & Physical Activity Partnership
Winner 2024 - Alan Watkinson
Vincent Brittain
Co-chairs of the Schools Active Movement
Alan and Vincent are co-chairs of the Schools Active Movement (SAM) and they work tirelessly to steer the SAM Board and provide selfless leadership. They have committed their working lives to building strong locally based organisations that bring countless opportunities for young people to get active and be inspired by the power of sport.
Vincent is CEO of Inspire+ in Grantham, Lincolnshire, establishing the charity in 2011, and going from strength to strength under his many years of leadership. Every year Vincent runs the Mini Olympics, where over three days, 2,500 young people get to participate in a wide range of activities designed to help them get active and have fun. Alongside this the charity runs the Holiday Activities and Food programmes across school holidays, ensuring young people get access to physical activity and healthy food in the holidays.
Alan is the partnership Director for Sport Impact in Hounslow which was established in 2006. For 17 years Sport Impact have been on a mission to ensure all children are happier, healthier and more active, Alan has been an integral part of achieving this. Last year Sport Impact supported 49 primary schools and 19 secondary schools through a combination of competitions and events, engaging over 10,000 young people, as well as providing specialist PE support and staff training. Seven of the schools involved received a Platinum School Games Mark.
Alan and Vincent not only invest their time and energy into their local places, they have gone above and beyond, time and again to help others across the School Sport Partnership Community. They worked with the Youth Sport Trust to form the Schools Active Movement (SAM) national board with representatives from across the country, creating a united strategy and a powerful voice for people doing similar roles as them. The board offers the help, support and encouragement needed to provide crucial opportunities for young people each year.
It’s safe to say that Alan and Vincent make a formidable pair and together they are making the voice of the SAM network heard.