Held over three days at Staverton Park, the two events empowered colleagues to reflect on progress, strengthen relationships and consider how we continue to improve outcomes for the children and young people we serve.

The National Conference brought together Principals, Headteachers, literacy leads and colleagues who are leading change for vulnerable students across our schools. While only a small number of colleagues from each school were able to attend, the purpose was to begin a piece of work that will now continue across schools, teams and whole communities throughout the Trust.

A central theme across both events was student voice. During the Leadership & Governance Retreat, delegates watched a series of student diary room entries and reflected on the question: “What I want from my future and how school leaders can help me with that.” Their responses helped ensure that discussions about strategy, leadership and improvement were grounded in the lived experiences and ambitions of young people.

Student voice also shaped the National Conference itself. The CEO keynote address was delivered from the perspective of Creative Education Trust in 2056, brought to life by Luca, a Year 8 student from Abbeyfield School. Delegates were also joined in person by student leaders from Thistley Hough Academy, who delivered a powerful View from the Bridge, exploring what leadership might look like in 2056 and how schools can help young people today become leaders in their own lives and futures.

This focus on young people was not symbolic. Delegates were asked to work together on a practical task: designing a strategy for their school that will lead to better outcomes for vulnerable students. This ensured that the conference moved beyond reflection and into action, with colleagues collaborating on ideas that can make a meaningful difference back in our schools.

A particular strength of this year’s programme was the close alignment between the National Conference and the Leadership & Governance Retreat. By bringing together school leaders, Academy Council Chairs, trustees, Members and central team colleagues, the Trust created space for joined-up thinking about strategy, school improvement and the future direction of Creative Education Trust.

For the first time, Academy Council Chairs participated in both events, reflecting the vital role they play in connecting Trust-wide priorities with the communities our schools serve. Their involvement helps ensure that leadership is shaped by local voices, grounded in the reality of our schools and strengthened by a richer, more meaningful conversation about the change we must lead together.

Throughout the conference, delegates explored progress towards the Trust’s strategic objectives, considered the changing educational landscape and worked collaboratively on practical solutions to improve outcomes for young people.

A major focus was the introduction of the Trust’s new Leadership Qualities framework, which sits at the heart of how Creative Education Trust develops leadership at every level.

Built around our values of Ambition, Equity and Opportunity, the framework encourages colleagues to Be Brave, Lift Others, Stay Curious, See Everyone, Speak Up, Share Power, Open Doors, Build Bridges and Support Growth.

The qualities reflect a simple but powerful belief: leadership is not confined to job titles. Every colleague has the ability to influence, improve and make a difference for the children and young people we serve.

The event was expertly hosted by Rachael Sandham, Principal of The Hart School, who accepted the invitation to compere the conference and did so with warmth, clarity and confidence. Her leadership of the event reflected an important principle for Creative Education Trust: that the people leading our schools are central to shaping the culture, direction and impact of the wider Trust.

Most importantly, the conference demonstrated the strength of our collective endeavour. Whether through school leadership, classroom practice, Academy Council involvement, Trust-wide support or voluntary service, progress is achieved when people work together with a shared sense of purpose.

We would like to thank everyone who contributed to the success of both events, including all colleagues whose energy, commitment and expertise continue to drive improvement across our schools. We are especially grateful to our Academy Council Chairs, trustees and Members, who generously give their time on a voluntary basis in support of our schools and communities. Their commitment, challenge and insight are invaluable.

As we begin a new academic year, the conversations, ideas and commitments developed during these events will continue to shape our work across Creative Education Trust as we strive to transform the life chances of the children and young people we serve.