The Trust Diagnostic

A path to expertise, collaboration and peer review - by Sir David Carter

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5 insights for the trust system

What we've learned

The first year of the Trust Diagnostic has shown us that MATs share many of the same challenges. There are five themes we discussed time and time again.  

Vision, values and ethos

A shared vision, set of values and ethos are critical for a trust. But you need to deliver on your vison with a transformational strategy: all decisions, processes and system need to flow from that source.  

The role of the CEO

CEOs must shift from being the principle leader of school support to becoming the creator of the next generation of school improvers.  

Effective governance

The three factors to effective governance are your board’s skill set, a transparent scheme of delegation and a decision-making framework informed by due diligence, evidence and data.  

School improvement

Trusts have to agree the improvement responsibilities that lie centrally, and those that remain with their schools. Clarity is crucial.  

Talent development

Workload and wellbeing should be central to talent development strategies, along with effective internal communications to show the benefits of being part of your trust.  

More about Ambition Institute

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What we do

At Ambition Institute, we support teachers and school leaders at every stage of their careers, helping them to keep getting better.

Why we exist

A great teacher changes the future every day. They can be the critical factor in a child’s success, especially for those who have had a tough start in life. Together, we’re shaping the future of education to give every child the best start in life.

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We work with more teachers and school leaders than any other professional development provider. In the last year, we worked with 46,000 teachers and leaders in England; helping them shape the futures of 3.9 million children.