WELCOME TO STARLIGHT

2022-23 is a landmark year for Star, as we celebrate the tenth anniversary of opening our first free school. Marking this achievement has led me to reflect on the remarkable journey of our organisation, from its modest origins in a small, terraced house in Blackburn to where we stand today as one of the country’s leading multiacademy trusts. Our accomplishments have far exceeded the humble aims we set out at Star’s inception, and I am immensely proud of the impact our schools have had on young people in some of the UK’s most disadvantaged communities.

I wish to thank our wonderful colleagues for the instrumental role they have played in our success. I am sure they will share my pride in the numerous triumphs we have realised together during the last decade, some of which are included in this issue of Starlight. From topping national school performance tables and raising millions of pounds for charity to forming exciting strategic partnerships and new schools, we have a great story to tell. Furthermore, this is only the opening chapter. I have no doubt that the Star family will continue to innovate, grow and flourish by continuing to cultivate a culture of excellence.

In this issue’s Star Spotlight feature, we reflect on the inspirational Star Awards ceremony which took place in March. It was a joyous celebration which showcased the exceptional talents of our incredible pupils and staff. One of the most poignant aspects of the day was witnessing the joyful interactions and spirit of togetherness shown by the pupils from Star’s various schools. It was wonderful to see young people from different regions and communities effortlessly connecting with each another, united by their shared commitment and ethos. Their outstanding character truly personifies the STAR values and makes me extremely proud to lead the Star family.

This term, we’re also celebrating National Thank A Teacher Day, recognising our often unsung heroes whose hard work is manifested in children’s happiness and progress. I also wish to extend my gratitude to everyone working in our schools and Star Central team for their hard work and dedication to furthering our pupils’ education every single day. Star’s vision of nurturing today’s young people and inspiring tomorrow’s leaders would not be possible without your collective efforts.

Finally, I must thank our selfless, philanthropic pupils for completing over 10,000 hours of community service in celebration of the Coronation. The Star Big Help Out Challenge was a fantastic opportunity to honour the Royal Family’s charitable legacy and make a significant and lasting difference in our communities.

I hope you all have a fulfilling end to the academic year and enjoy a restful summer break as we look forward to another exciting year of progress together.

Together we are strong. We are Star.

SIR MUFTI HAMID PATEL CBE Chief Executive, Star Academies

Star Academies is celebrating a decade of educational excellence on its 10th anniversary, as the trust looks ahead to a bright future.

Since the founding of its first free school ten years ago, Star has developed and expanded to establish its position as one of the country’s leading multi-academy trusts. Today, Star is a growing family of 31 free schools and academies across five partnership areas, with over 3,500 employees and serving more than 21,000 pupils nationally.

Over the last decade, Star has achieved incredible milestones and has consistently ranked amongst the top-performing multiacademy trusts in national performance tables, with individual Star schools also routinely placing in the top 5 in the country for GCSE results.

The trust is rooted in educational excellence, which - alongside exceptional academic outcomes - has been recognised by 15 of its schools securing ‘outstanding’ Ofsted judgements and improved gradings for sponsored academies that have been inspected since joining the trust.

While the pandemic provided lots of challenges for schools, it also brought the philanthropic work of Star’s pupils and staff into sharp focus. Over the past 10 years, schools’ commitment to serving others has seen over £2 million raised for good causes, with hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people benefitting across the globe.

Star Family Hubs – established during the pandemic to support families, colleagues and neighbouring residents, charities and organisations – have become an integral part of their communities, supporting hundreds of vulnerable families every week. All Star schools are rooted in the STAR value of Service, and the annual Festive Winter Gift Programme emphasises schools’ commitment to vulnerable people in their localities by tackling food poverty and spreading kindness.

Star has embarked on ground-breaking partnerships which have cemented its position at the forefront of system leadership and innovation. Its partnership with Eton College, initially formed to create three academic sixth forms for high-achieving young people from deprived communities, will build on a shared drive to boost the achievement and life chances of disadvantaged young people.

Along with three founding partner MATs, Star formed the School-Led Development Trust, which was appointed to establish the National Institute of Teaching (NIoT). Launched in September 2022, the country’s flagship teacher and leader development institute has welcomed the first intake of participants to its programme of National Professional Qualifications (NPQ).