By KLTV Newsdesk –
Focus-Trust, a primary school trust based in the North West of England and West Yorkshire, recently celebrated its 10th anniversary since its first three schools joined on 1st March 2013.
The milestone marks a decade of trailblazing for the Trust, which has paved the way for many school trusts as the government aims for every school in England to be in a multi-academy trust (MAT) or in the process of joining one by 2030.
To commemorate the anniversary, the Central Team commissioned 15 teddy bears, unique to each school, to be handmade by a parent at Fieldhead Primary Academy.
Focus-Trust Education Director, Michael Rowland, collected a sweatshirt from each school, and the bears were presented at a special celebration between all school leaders and the Central Team.
Ten Years
Over the last ten years, Focus-Trust has been at the forefront of innovation and effective practice.
During the pandemic, the Trust shared its ‘Learning Together’ website with the broader education community.
Recently, the Trust undertook a comprehensive Job Evaluation process, culminating in a new pay and grading structure.
All 680 support staff receive ‘fair and consistent pay’ across its 15 member schools in 9 Local Authorities.
‘Best Decisions’
Clive Davies OBE, one of the founding Directors of Focus Education UK Ltd and Chair of the Focus-Trust Board, expressed his gratitude and said: “10 years ago, I made a decision which I believe is one of the best professional decisions I have ever made in my life.
“At the time, I was asked by heads of three schools to create a multi-academy trust so that they could be part of what has turned out to be a very special education community.”
‘Proud’
Helen Rowland, Chief Executive of Focus-Trust, said: “I am incredibly proud and grateful to have been part of this ten year journey with Focus-Trust.
“By living out our values and working within our well-embedded culture of collective efficacy, we have made many remarkable and life-changing achievements for our children, colleagues and communities.”
Focus-Trust is a charitable primary school trust with a vision of providing ‘great schools at the heart of our communities’ where children thrive, achieve and succeed.
The Trust currently comprises 15 member schools in 9 Local Authorities.