Moving out of the limelight

Last year, I stood at the side of the road and watched my daughter and her partner running in the Nottingham Half-Marathon. It was a great occasion, with thousands of people taking part, and countless thousands of pounds raised for good causes. The organisation was brilliant, as it always is. The route had been set, exactly the right distance, achievable but suitably challenging and taking in some memorable sights along the way. The organisers made sure that runners had received the right equipment and resources before the day. They ensured that there was plenty of information given, including timings, distances, and directions. They made sure that emergency help was available for anyone who got into difficulties. They provided refreshments and sustenance along the way and made sure that there were plenty of people lining the streets, giving encouragement and support. What they didn’t do was run the race or try to take the acclaim at the end – that was left to the competitors. In short, they gave a perfect model for the way that a Multi-Academy Trust should work with its schools.

As someone who now works for a MAT rather than an individual school, I know how tempting it is to put the Trust at the centre of the story, and to forget where the most important work is done. It’s important to remember, however, that the role of the trust is to create the conditions for each school within it to thrive, much like the organisers of a marathon set the stage for the runners.

A Trust is akin to the support team behind the scenes, ensuring that each school has access to the right resources, expertise, and guidance. Just as marathon organisers provide runners with the necessary equipment, a MAT needs to equip its schools with the tools they need for success. This includes not only tangible resources like technology and teaching materials but also access to high-quality professional development opportunities and a collaborative network of educators.

In the same way marathon organisers communicate crucial information about the race, it’s our job to ensure that there is transparent and open communication between the trust and its schools. Timely dissemination of information regarding performance data, policies, strategies, and best practices fosters a culture of collaboration and shared goals. Schools should feel well-informed and confident in their ability to navigate the educational terrain.

Emergency support during a marathon is essential for the safety and well-being of the runners. Similarly, an effective MAT should offer a safety net for its schools. This may involve providing additional resources for struggling schools, offering targeted support for students with special needs, or implementing intervention strategies to address challenges promptly. The trust should act as a stabilising force, ensuring that no school is left to face difficulties alone.

Likewise, just as a marathon offers refreshments and sustenance along the way, a MAT should provide ongoing support and encouragement. This may involve professional development opportunities, mentorship programs, or collaborative initiatives that allow teachers and leaders to share successes and challenges. The trust should foster a sense of community among its schools, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.

Finally, just as the organisers of a marathon do not run the race themselves, a MAT should recognise and celebrate the achievements of its schools. Our role is to create an environment where each school can shine, allowing educators, pupils, and parents to take pride in their accomplishments. Acknowledging and showcasing the unique strengths of each school contributes to a culture of continuous improvement and shared success.

It’s tempting to develop an inflated ego when we sit at the centre of a Trust, but we need to remind ourselves continually that we’re not the stars of the show, but a vital part of the team that allows our schools to shine, and our children and young people to succeed.  In our Trusts, it’s our job to create an educational landscape where each school can thrive and succeed. Just like a well-organised marathon, the journey may be challenging, but with the right support, every school can cross the finish line triumphant.