CEO Blog - 7.11.25

And just like that, we're back at it with the first week of Autumn 2.

I hope everyone managed to find some time to rest and relax during the half term break. This time of year is a challenge with the darker mornings, but the resilience it builds in our young people is invaluable.

This week will be rounded off with the Grand Opening Ceremony at Heywood Academy.

I am looking forward to attending and celebrating the opening of the school with a wide range of stakeholders. Keep your eyes peeled for updates from the event. Not just on our social media channels, but in the press as well.

Also this week, I want to thank our Trustees.

As it is National Trustees Week, it's the perfect opportunity to recognise the enthusiasm and commitment shown by this group of people.

The support, challenge and encouragement offered by the Trustees help us to ensure our offer is the very best it can be for all our students and young people. 

But what makes them want to be Trustees in the first place?

I'd like to share a few examples of what being a Trustee means to the New Bridge MAT Trustees, starting with Val Shaw:

"I enjoy my role as Trustee; I have a lot of time for young people with more challenging needs after my personal experiences and I believe that they can reach their potential with the right support and understanding."

Colin McKenzie says:

"My passion is to support my daughter and as many other children as possible to be the very best they can be."

Margaret Ramsbottom says:

"My aim is that children are given every opportunity to reach their full potential whilst at school and at college, no matter what their starting point is and that they become valued citizens. I love to see the achievements of the young people from New Bridge Multi Academy Trust and take great pride in them."

I'd like to finish by sharing this message from Chair of Trustees, Steve Williams:

"Being chair of trustees for the New Bridge Multi-Academy Trust is by far the greatest and most fulfilling part of my professional life."

I think we can all agree that they take on the role for the right reasons, and this week, I just want to say a huge thank you to them, on behalf of everyone associated with New Bridge.

Elsewhere this week, we have seen a staggering 38 TA's from across the Trust take part in the launch of the TA3/4 Deliverers Training Programme.

Executive Director for Learning and Impact, Michelle Rathor, provides more information below:

"This week, I had the absolute privilege of launching our brand-new TA3/4 Development Programme — a project I’ve poured my heart into writing and now have the joy of delivering. As part of New Bridge Multi Academy Trust's commitment to workforce development, this programme is designed for Teaching Assistants who aspire to achieve QTS.

We’ve had an incredible response: 38 passionate team members have signed up for this year-long journey of weekly sessions focused on pedagogy and practice. Their enthusiasm speaks volumes about our shared belief in creating meaningful futures — not just for our pupils, but for our staff too.

This is what “Learning together, learning for all, learning for life” truly looks like. It’s about nurturing potential, investing in our people, and growing a community of future educators who will shape the next generation.

Here’s to a year of inspiration, growth, and collective learning. Let’s do this!"

Have a great weekend, all.

I look forward to providing more updates next week.

Clare