Oldham-based primary schools trust celebrates 10 year anniversary

An Oldham-based primary schools Trust has recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary since its first three schools joined on March 1, 2013.

The anniversary marks a decade of trailblazing for Focus-Trust, which has paved the way for many school trusts as the Government’s ambition is for every school in England to be in a multi-academy trust (MAT) or in the process of joining one by 2030.

Marking 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.

Over the last ten years, Focus-Trust has been at the forefront of innovation and effective practice.

During the pandemic, the Trust shared their ‘Learning Together’ website with the wider education community.

Recently, the trust undertook a comprehensive Job Evaluation process, culminating in a new pay and grading structure, in order that all 680 support staff receive ‘fair and consistent pay’ across its 15 member schools in nine Local Authorities.

At the heart of every decision lies the Trust’s core values, Care, Dare, Fair and Share, and an eye on achieving their ambitious shared vision of ‘Great schools at the heart of our communities.’

Clive Davies OBE, one of the founding Directors of Focus Education UK Ltd, and Chair of the Focus-Trust Board, said: “Ten 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.

“I am delighted to see that over time the community has grown to 15 schools with remarkable colleagues giving everything they have to our remarkable children.

"We have been through some interesting times over the past 10 years, not least the pandemic.

“I can genuinely say that being part of Focus-Trust is a great privilege that I never take for granted.

"It has allowed me to work with some very talented and dedicated people, including our incredible trustees.

“Thank you all for playing your part in the journey of the Trust.

"It is just the first chapter, with many more to come.”

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.

"The last 10 years have seen many highlights, challenges and opportunities. 

“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.

“I would like to extend a huge thanks to all colleagues, families and children who have been involved across the journey and am very much looking forward to the years ahead.’’

Focus-Trust, whose headquarters is in Chadderton, is a charitable primary schools trust which is based in the North West of England and West Yorkshire with a vision of providing ‘great schools at the heart of our communities’ where children thrive, achieve and succeed.

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