Enhance Academy Trust

I have worked as part of the Trust for a number of years, in different roles and across more than one school. It has been interesting to see the Trust evolve, especially under new leadership. One thing has remained the same though, I have always felt fully supported in my role, both from the CEO and my fellow Headteachers. Leaders are consulted about any possible changes, and opinions of leaders are taken on board. Although we work as part of a Trust, I appreciate the degree of autonomy given to school leaders by Enhance; we are able to make decisions about what is right for our children and communities. I like the fact that we’re not a ‘brand’, each school is still unique in their own right.

Louise Sennett:  Executive Headteacher – St Helens CE Primary School

The beauty of working in Enhance is our collaboration. It is easy to become isolated as a school or academy without a strong network; in Enhance the links between the Trust academies are at all levels, from geography leaders to SENCos, from to SBMs to Headteachers. There is someone to work with, get advice from and to share best practice with. The strength of the Central Team gives us the confidence to lead with autonomy meaning every academy has its own identity. That makes Enhance quite unique and a great place to work!

Craig Elliott:  Headteacher – Sandal Magna Community Academy

As a stand-alone academy we often felt we were in a kind of no man’s land, not part of the Local Authority or part of the local pyramid of schools, which often left us having to find our own CPD or rely on the network of schools that we had begun to build close relationships with.  After joining Enhance we were soon able to see the benefits that being part of an Academy Trust could bring including:

* Improved economies of scales, improving our purchasing power

* The ability to dip into the pool of expertise that other schools and the Trust could provide

* Access to Governor and Compliance support and guidance on local and national issues

* Strong support networks for core and foundation subject leads; and through Education Improvement Partners, that critical friend, who supports the school in reaching their goals 

As a group of schools, we have a clear vision and direction for the future of all stakeholders, staff and pupils alike, all this whilst having autonomy and ability to maintain our own individual identity.  

Richard Grace:  Headteacher – St Giles C of E Academy

The Governors and I were aware of the changing landscape. The national academy programme and reduced Local Authority resources made us consider our options. We wanted to make an informed choice on our own terms, rather than find out later our choices were limited.

Our two main aims were to protect the unique identity of our school and to ensure we had access to quality support and development. We were not looking for a Trust that had an off the peg, homogenous approach. We were looking for an organisation that celebrated schools’ uniqueness and engaged in collaboration and good practice from all its members.

Having joined Enhance, we were delighted to find engagement was beyond expectations. The pandemic has been the acid test. I always receive quick and appropriate advice. Support is only ever a phone call away, be it from our CEO or any of the other Heads or lead professionals.

There is a robust school improvement programme. Staff at all levels collaborate; from teaching and learning to curriculum development, year group moderation, staff progression, career development, to name but a few.

As a member of the Trust, the school is well placed and supported in its journey. As a member of the Enhance family, we feel valued and part of the team.  We have more than achieved our initial aims. Now we look forward to new opportunities, as the Trust continues to develop.

Tom Burns: Headteacher – Lepton CofE Primary Academy