CEO Blog - 18.7.25

As the academic year comes to a close, it is a time to reflect on the achievements of the past year. I am in the privileged position of being able to observe across the trust and see the true depth and breadth of the opportunities on offer. An obvious starting place are the residential experiences our learners have been given which are truly life changing. These are very often the things we hear them talk about as their lasting memories. Take a look at this recent video showcasing this year's trip to Chicago for a start, and you'll see what I'm talking about...

The destination driven pathways give rise to curricular opportunities which open doors to the children and young people at different stages of their lives.

All members of the New Bridge community are important to delivering these outcomes. These passion of the staff team is real and tangible; the Care, Trust and Innovation are the values that loom large wherever I go and I experience them every time I am on one of our sites.

This week we have welcomed some new staff in the induction event led by our everyone learning team; it's always so exciting to look forward to new talent joining us and adding to the New Bridge Group.

On this note I am delighted to let you know that we interviewed for the role of Chief Operations Officer this week and Kristian Heap was successfully appointed. Currently Kristian is the Partnerships / Operations Director at a private organisation based in Newcastle.

We are confident that Kristian will be an excellent addition to the Executive team.

Conversely, this is also a time for goodbyes and whilst I know we have a number of colleagues leaving us, I would like to mention 2 members of the executive team who are retiring.

Helen Wilson is retiring as Head of Samuel Laycock.

Helen has had a long history with the Trust and has been a key driver in so many improvements, not least being a founder member of the Lumenus pathway. I know Helen has loved working at Samuel Laycock and this has shone through in the outstanding school improvement she has led there over the last 3 years.

I would also like to thank Simon Smith, who is also leaving us this summer. Simon has had a long career in HR and has worked with the trust for over a decade.

He has always been the voice of calm and reason for us all and has personally supported me in the first two years as CEO.

It is always sad to see such quality leave but we wish them all the best for the next chapter in their lives.

Many colleagues are working over the holidays, either in our holiday club offer or in the 'back office' roles ensuring all is ready for a September start.

Hopefully you will all be able to have a break at some point.

Thanks also to all the families for their support, but most of all, let's celebrate our wonderful children/young people and adults who are the reason we do what we do.

Have a great summer!

Clare