Pros
Opportunities for progression within clearly defined leadership structures.
Guidance and facilitation for middle and senior leaders from the central team are balanced alongside valuing adaptations for school contexts and pupil needs.
Shared thinking and improvement between colleagues across the trust through network meetings, online forums and face-to-face annual conferences for both middle and senior leaders; there is a real sense of belonging to and being a valued member of each team.
Collaboration within and between schools is encouraged and enabled.
Chances to visit other schools to see great practice in common areas of school leadership.
Evidence-informed approaches to teaching and professional development, which is sustained and directly relevant to teachers’ own practice.
Hard work is recognised and appreciated.
Cons
Working in an an ambitious multi-academy trust means that there will always be pressure points. However, key dates are shared at and even before the beginning of the academic year so that organisation and forward planning enables these to be well-managed by individuals and teams.