Introduction from our CEO

PAUL WALKER

The last couple of years have been possibly the most eventful, traumatic and uncertain periods the education sector has ever experienced. As I write, we are still in the final stage of national restrictions, waiting to see what the longer-term future holds. Throughout the Covid pandemic, we have strived to keep all of our teams as safe as we can and keeping our children safe has and will always be our top priority.

We have managed to keep a very strong focus on school improvement. Our systems and structures have evolved to ensure we have a fit-for-purpose system of school improvement. Throughout the period of our last plan, every school that was inspected, achieved or maintained a ' good' grading during inspection. Outcomes across the Trust have continued to improve - setting our young people up for strong futures.

As we look forward with this, our second strategic plan, there is much still to be achieved. The global pandemic has caused many to re-evaluate priorities. We have seen a profound impact on every part of life. Children have had two years of interrupted learning. Families have enjoyed time together, whilst many have experienced high trauma during the lockdowns. Many communities have fractured as restrictions have prevented so many events from taking place. The wellbeing of all has never been so important. The next three years will be a pivotal moment for the education sector. We need to make sure we flex and respond to these developments. We have a responsibility to ensure the highest standards for all. In particular, we will be working harder than ever to close the attainment gap between our most disadvantaged pupils and their peers.

Developing our staff is key; they are our most important resource. We will continue to look after them, train and develop them, ensuring our pupils have access to the best teaching. We will continue to collaborate across the Trust. We will continue to be professionally generous. Where possible we will create and support local networks; developing and improving the teaching offer in and around our schools.

As the Department for Education (DfE) works toward a fully academised system, we have been building capacity and developing teams to be ready for future growth. We will continue to grow, in a responsible and measured manner - never at a negative cost to our member schools. We recognise the opportunities growth brings and hope to support schools as we bring new capacity to the Trust.

Our Trust is only as good as every constituent part. Our collective responsibility will bring about collective success and continued success will bring opportunities for every pupil.