In 2023-24 our ‘local conversation’ with other schools evolved into the South Cotswolds Schools’ Development Group and discussions have continued under a memorandum of understanding. With an explicit focus on collaboration and co-creation, the group, which is made up of primary and secondary schools, is now exploring future Trust structures and thinking about potential phasing and how best to operate at scale.
Members have actively engaged in facilitated conversations which have helped to identify shared values and many have undertaken exploratory MAT visits. In addition to attending the strategic meetings, Heads are contributing to wider school and Trust development through working groups. Governors from all participating schools have attended three online Briefings and we have routinely evaluated our progress. We are looking forward to the forthcoming meetings.
Reflecting on our MAT visits, our local governing bodies are fortunate to be so connected to the Trust. Trustees and members of the executive team attend their meetings. Our Chairs and Link Governors network with the Chair and strategic leads and everyone comes together three times a year for our governance seminars.
