Challenge and support from Directors and the way they hold leaders to account has supported the drive for high standards across the trust. Notable improvements include all Trust schools above national in all end of KS2 measures (with exception of WT in maths which is in line with national). Noted are our 2 RI schools and their significant improvements. Significant improvement at SMWST in KS2 RWM. Rigorous Curriculum & Standards committee meetings hold leaders to account and expose any areas for development swiftly.
Ofsted visited 2 of our schools in February 2025. This led to SMST remaining outstanding, the school has now been outstanding for over 13 years. SA also remained outstanding in 4 out of 5 judgements. The Trusts annual reviews and work of the CEO alongside the HT’s ensure that Directors have accurate and timely information to hold schools to account and ensure focus is on the correct priorities, this is linked immediately to the work of the Education Central team to ensure rapid school improvement.
Directors have focused on reviewing all processes, policies and procedures to ensure robust monitoring of financial management. Schools have surplus budgets in 2024-25 and moving forward despite the current challenging financial climate for all schools nationally. Schools have been able to execute plans leading to impact on pupil outcomes with all our schools performing above national.
Directors have kept the focus on growth of the Trust, and this has led to a further school joining us on 1st September 2024; Willow Tree and a 6th school is awaiting approval from the RD. This growth has meant TTSAT has doubled in size over a 2-year period and the successful application for TCAF has enabled the internal capacity of the central team to also grow.
The Director of Safeguarding and Attendance, Maths, English and EYFS forms a strong core team for SI and adds real capacity to our schools. They have supported teachers to develop the teaching and delivery of these subject and aspect areas and improved pupil outcomes this can be seen in end of KS2 data over 2 years at SMST & phonics across the Trust. The use of our CPD arm; NWLP ensures the most up to date training and development is available for all staff. The focus on Attendance has ensured all 3 established schools have bucked the national trend and seen improvements in attendance with absence and PA % below national figures. Both our RI schools have shown significant improvements.
Directors have focused on this strategy which has enabled recruitment linked to skills. Talent spotting within the Trust is strong and ‘home grown’ talent has been given opportunities within the trust to develop. Directors also recognise when to look outside the Trust to find fresh appointments for example CFOO. Many TTSAT staff have been given opportunities to develop through promotion this year; Executive Headteacher, Assistant Heads and TLR positions have been offered.
