Insight MAT - What makes us ‘tick’?

We know what our purpose is. Our focus on our aims and objectives is clear. We know what we have to do to improve. Our commitment to our children and staff is paramount. We support both to be the best they can be.

We know it’s better when we work together. We don’t have all the answers. We’re not about empire-building or telling people what’s best for them. We believe in the importance of schools knowing their community and wanting to do their best for that community. Working in partnership will ensure we all improve. And that’s great news for the children in our care.

We’re positive and passionate. Our staff are great at what they do; they devote themselves to working with our young people and with each other. They encourage, support, nurture and cajole. They keep their own learning up to date and make the most of training opportunities.

Our values are simple yet profound. Rules can change according to context, but values don’t shift. Ours arise from our motto: ‘Aspire, Achieve, Advance Together’. Aiming for the stars, planning to achieve, always looking forward and including everyone along the way. These values are at the heart of all we do.

Our standards and expectations for ALL students are sky-high. Good standards of behaviour and attitude are paramount to the success of our young people. Our expert teachers can teach in orderly, purposeful classrooms, supported by a clear and effective behaviour policy and committed, visible leaders. Our young people can learn without constant disruptions and without fear of ridicule or embarrassment in their classrooms.

We’re always striving for more. Whether it’s seeking out the best practice in learning and teaching, finding ways to challenge our brightest students or exploring how best to support children with Special Educational Needs, we never stand still. We never stop inquiring; we open our eyes and our heads to the best there is out there.

We smile a lot. We laugh a lot. We connect with our staff and students. Visitors to our academies tell us they can immediately sense the atmosphere; they meet friendly, keen and knowledgeable staff and interested, smart, polite and communicative students. Our people are happy in our academies. There’s a family-feel to what we do.

We listen and we learn from each other. We involve our students, staff and community in our work. We are open to suggestions where they can positively impact on our work.

We are resolute and tenacious. When a curveball comes along (a pandemic, for example...) we will deal with it. We continue with our core purpose, focused on our key objectives, and we won’t crumble. Children, staff and our communities need us; we will be there for them.