Trust School Improvement Strategy
Principles for School Improvement
Our goal is for every teacher in every classroom to be as good as they can be in what they teach (the curriculum) and how they teach (pedagogy). For this to happen, we need to ensure that every teacher can use the best evidence from research. There is no improvement for pupils without improvement in teaching, and no improvement in teaching without the best professional development for teachers.
Principle 1: A Culture of Improvement
We cultivate an ever-improving culture, recognising it as a collective Responsibility. Grounded in our INSPIRE values of Responsibility and Excellence, we strive together toward Big Move 1: Securing the Highest Possible Outcomes for All.
Principle 2: True Collaboration
Collaboration must flourish at every level, beginning in each school. We share accountability for every child, reflecting Nurture, Passion and Integrity and strengthening our goal of Big Move 2: Being the Employer of Choice through shared learning and professional trust.
Principle 3: Ownership and Autonomy
Sustained improvement is rooted in ownership and the appropriate autonomy to adapt and innovate. With Innovation and Integrity guiding us, this autonomy supports both school distinctiveness and our ambition in Big Move 3: Fulfilling Potential and Influencing the System—achieved through growth, collaborative expansion, and strategic partnerships.
Principle 4: Balanced Autonomy and Accountability
Autonomy must be balanced with aligned accountability. We continually evaluate and adjust that balance based on evidence and leader feedback. This principle marries Responsibility with collective progress toward Big Move 1, systemic influence (Big Move 3), and our service to communities (Big Move 5).
Principle 5: Embedded, Sustainable Improvement
Our improvement cycle—assess, plan, do, review—must be ingrained and enduring.
Through Excellence and Passion, we commit to disciplined, evidence-based practice that ensures improvement is sustained over time and directly delivers on Big Move 1: Securing the Highest Possible Outcomes for All.
Guiding Principles
Child-Centred – thriving equity and Success as core goals.
Collective Responsibility – rooted in Responsibility, serving the pursuit of highest outcomes for all (Big Move 1).
Collaboration – anchored in Nurture and Integrity, supporting employer of choice (Big Move 2).
Individuality – balancing innovation and school uniqueness with a shared vision.
Accountability – exercising Integrity and Excellence with transparency and evidence.
Sustainability – committing to fulfilling potential and influencing the system through growth (Big Move 3) and a greener future (Big Move 4).
Evidence-Based – guided by Integrity and Excellence in decision-making.
Self-Improving – building capacity aligned to systemic influence (Big Move 3).
Innovation – embracing creativity as a catalyst for improvement.
Equity & Excellence – ensuring fairness, ambition and Excellence, particularly in serving our communities (Big Move 5).
Further details can be found within our Education Strategy.
If you have many queries or would like to discuss how we might be able to support you with your school improvement, please contact us.