Supporting the Vision for Education: A Response to Bridget Phillipson’s CST Speech

At the recent Confederation of School Trusts (CST) Conference, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson outlined a vision for education that emphasises high standards, regional improvement, innovation, and strengthened teacher recruitment and retention.

We welcome the government’s new vision for education, which aligns closely with our own commitment at Inspiring Leaders to a collaborative, partnership-driven approach to system leadership.

Here in the East Midlands, we recognised years ago the need to cultivate an equitable, supportive culture among Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) and schools. By working together, we’ve built a system-wide foundation where collaboration, rather than competition, drives sustainable success across our region.

Commitment to Collaborative Partnership and System Improvement

Bridget Phillipson’s call for a self-improving education system echoes our mission. For several years, we have been committed to a culture of partnership, enabling MATs and schools to grow together, reinforcing each other’s success and creating lasting improvement across the East Midlands.

James Brown, Managing Director of Inspiring Leaders, reflects on this: “Some recent policy announcements have understandably raised concerns for MAT CEOs, and many have questioned the government’s perspective on the future role of MATs. However, our partners are deeply committed to promoting a more collaborative approach to inter-MAT and school partnership work across the region.

“Recognising that competition had sometimes overshadowed collaboration in the past, our partners chose a different path over two years ago, making a firm commitment to longer-term goals. Together, they resolved to support one another in becoming stronger, more sustainable school trusts, all for the benefit of the students we serve.”

We are encouraged by the government’s renewed emphasis on collaboration, and we take pride in the models we have developed as a neutral, sector-led body to advance this vision in the East Midlands. Through genuine partnerships among schools and MATs, we are not only enhancing student outcomes but also building a more resilient educational system that benefits everyone in our region.”

Driving Regional Improvement and Innovation

Our collaborative partnership work strongly aligns with the government’s emphasis on regional improvement. By providing a neutral, regionally focused platform for MAT and school leaders to connect, Inspiring Leaders helps to facilitate the exchange of innovative practices, insights, and expertise across schools and trusts. This partnership model empowers leaders to draw on each other’s strengths, apply successful approaches across the region, and continually evolve to meet the needs of all students.

Our belief in a system-led, region-wide approach to school improvement underpins everything we do. With a neutral regional body to lead and coordinate these efforts, collaboration can flourish without the barriers that often come with competition.

Supporting Teacher Recruitment and Retention

We wholeheartedly share the government’s commitment to improving teacher recruitment and retention. For our partnership, this is about more than bringing new teachers into the profession; it’s about creating a sustainable environment where teachers are supported and empowered to grow professionally. Inspiring Leaders SCITT, alongside other ITT providers within our partnership, is committed to attracting, training, and retaining high-quality teachers. Our work with MATs and schools reinforces environments that help teachers thrive, creating the resilience and dedication needed for a long-term career in education.

Partnership as a Foundation for Resilience and Progress

As the government prioritises a collaborative and less competitive education system, we see this as a validation of the principles that have long guided our work in the East Midlands. While policy changes and new initiatives continue to shape the education landscape, our partnerships between MATs and schools offer a robust foundation that enhances resilience, enabling us to adapt to change effectively and with a united front.

Inspiring Leaders remains committed to advancing regional collaboration, supporting high standards, improving outcomes, and championing teacher recruitment and retention. Through our ongoing partnership work, we aim to build a thriving educational environment that benefits students, educators, and communities across the East Midlands.