How Schools Improve

Our school improvement approach begins with an accurate understanding of the school. Leaders and the Trust consider strengths, pupils' experiences, outcomes and areas requiring attention. We agree a small number of priorities and match support to the work needed.

Understand the starting point

We use several sources of evidence, including pupils' work, professional dialogue, published outcomes and the experiences of staff and families. This helps us ask better questions about what is working and where improvement will matter most.

Agree the priorities

Improvement is more likely to last when people understand the purpose and their responsibilities. We work with leaders to establish a coherent direction and the capacity required to deliver it.

Develop expertise

Professional learning, coaching, specialist advice and collaboration help colleagues strengthen practice. We value the expertise within our schools and create opportunities for it to benefit others.

Evaluate and sustain

We return to the evidence to see what has changed for pupils. Where progress is limited, we adjust the approach. Where practice is strong, we ask how it can be sustained and shared.

Headteachers remain accountable for their schools. The Director of Education leads Trust education and school improvement, supported by specialist expertise and governance scrutiny.