Trust Schools' 4th National Conference report
The Fourth Trust Schools National Conference took place on 23rd
June 2010 in London.
The conference was a celebration of success where over 300
delegates had the opportunity to showcase their achievements, share
practice and network.
Professor Ron Richie from the University of the West of England
opened the conference with a keynote address. He described the
enormous difference that trusts have made in education, to which
universities had contributed.
The important criteria for choosing trust partners, said
Professor Ritchie, include:
- a clear rationale for both parties,
- compatible values and attitudes,
- leadership capacity, and
- evaluating the costs, benefits, and projected outcomes.
Delegates then had the opportunity to attend three sessions,
having a choice of 23 which included presentations from
headteachers / school leaders, governors and trust partners.
Students also played an active role in the
conference:
- students from the North Bedfordshire Schools Trust presented a
Student Voice session,
- students from Widewell Primary School described how they have
set up a community food market, and
- students from Debden Park High School provided a performance of
music and dance.
The closing keynote was provided by Maggie Galliers,
Principal of Leicester College, who described successful
partnerships as those where participants are motivated by
what they can do for the collaboration, rather than simply what
they think they can get out of it. The secret of success in
partnerships, she said, was to recognise each other’s specialisms
and play to each other’s strengths.
The day flew by and delegates said how much they enjoyed the
excellent presentations and the opportunity to visit the
exhibition and speak with exhibitors about their contribution to
trust schools. Refreshment breaks and lunchtime proved to be an
excellent opportunity for exchanges of ideas and practice, and also
getting to know colleagues in other parts of the country. The
atmosphere throughout the day was electric – delegates said they
wanted more of this type of event as they went home inspired,
enthused and saturated with examples of good practice.
Delegate quotes
A good event, very enjoyable and informative
The Trust models I saw were clearly making a difference and
it was inspiring to see how many of those were fully
inclusive
The conference organising team were very friendly and
extremely professional. It had a real family feel to it
Benefits from hearing what others do; confirming that what
you've done so far isn't crazy; and the excellent networking
opportunities
Good quality information and advice
Useful networking and a sense of being part of a national
movement
It is relevant and high quality with excellent keynotes and
presenters
A number of tangible and practical ideas to explore - very
thought provoking. Also the opportunity to network and discuss
ideas with colleagues
Networking and listening to actual trust schools, benefits
of being a trust school, as some of my customers (who are schools)
are considering it and frequently ask me for my opinion