Educating Yorkshire's Matthew Burton to host the 2026 EB Awards

The Education Business Awards, which recognised the outstanding achievements of schools across the country, will be presented by Matthew Burton, star of Channel 4s Educating Yorkshire and headteacher of Thornhill Community Academy.

Matthew first appeared in the hit show in 2013 as an English teacher. Since then he has taken on the role of Headteacher at Thornhill Community Academy, leading the school through a period of change and development.

Educating Yorkshire returned to Channel 4 in 2025, bringing renewed attention to the school and its community as it navigates daily school life in a heartwarming and humorous way.

An accomplished author, Matthew has written two books focused on supporting young people. Go Big is a practical ‘survival guide’ designed to help children aged 10 and over navigate the transition from primary to secondary education, while Back on Track focuses on motivation and guiding pupils towards success in school.

A father of three, Matthew and his wife Laura are also ambassadors for the Miscarriage Association.

Now in its 17th Year, the Education Business Awards will take place on 26 March at Old Billingsgate, London, during Education Business LIVE Conference & Exhibition.

With more than twenty categories, including outstanding progress and leadership, SEND best practice and provision, ICT innovation, procurement, security, environmental practice, school buildings and catering, the awards promise to be a highlight of the education calendar.

Matthew Burton will also be opening the conference at Education Business LIVE, with a keynote on school leadership.

Register for Education Business LIVE for free here and find out more about the Education Business Awards here.