On Monday, our trustees came together at Morley Hayes for a full day of reflection, collaboration, and strategic thinking. Away from the busyness of regular Trust Board meetings, the group had the time and space to focus on the big picture – reviewing progress, exploring fresh ideas, and shaping the direction of Embark for the years ahead. The conversations centred around our four key priorities: creating stand-out schools, a collective commitment to inclusion, organisational excellence, and environmental sustainability. As always, the day was grounded in our core values of success, teamwork, integrity, and family, which guide everything we do for our young people and communities.
The morning opened with a warm welcome and a look back at the current strategic plan. Trustees reflected on key achievements across our now 23 schools – 19 primaries and 4 secondaries – and the difference this work is making for young people and families. It was inspiring to hear how our schools continue to create exceptional opportunities, from the arts and sports programmes to the Embark Award, which encourages young people to try 100 exciting activities and develop new skills beyond the classroom.
The heart of the day was spent exploring the four pillars of the strategic plan in depth. Trustees examined what it truly means to create stand-out schools that not only deliver excellent academic outcomes but also nurture confidence, creativity, and character. Discussions on inclusion focused on how we can continue to ensure that every young person, regardless of background or need, is able to thrive and succeed. The section on organisational excellence encouraged reflection on how Embark operates as a trust, including governance, communication, and the systems that support our schools. Finally, there was a strong focus on sustainability and how we can embed environmentally responsible practices into all aspects of our work – a theme particularly close to our hearts.
Trustees also considered key performance indicators (KPIs) for the next five years and the outcomes that will define our success. Finance was an important part of the agenda, ensuring that our plans are supported by a clear, sustainable financial strategy that allows us to invest in the future while protecting the resources of our schools.
In between these focused sessions, there were opportunities for group activities designed to spark ideas, build teamwork, and encourage trustees to think creatively. These moments of collaboration were hugely valuable, giving everyone the chance to contribute, share insights, and explore innovative solutions together.
One of the most appreciated aspects of the day was simply having the headspace to think strategically. Trust Board meetings are always full and fast-paced, with packed agendas and important decisions to make, so being able to step back and reflect on the bigger picture was refreshing and energising for everyone involved.
Importantly, the ideas and decisions shaped on the day will filter back into our schools, influencing the experiences of our young people in classrooms, playgrounds, and wider opportunities. Whether it’s developing more inclusive practices, creating aspirational events, or embedding sustainability into everyday school life, trustees’ strategic thinking ensures that every action taken at the Trust level ultimately benefits those who matter most – our young people.
Trust Leader Matthew Crawford captured the spirit of the day perfectly:
“It was brilliant to bring everyone together to reflect on what we have achieved and to look ahead to the future. The conversations were full of ideas and energy, and I am excited about where we are heading next.”
The development day was a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we live out our values of success, teamwork, integrity, and family. By working together with a shared sense of purpose, trustees are ensuring that Embark continues to provide exceptional opportunities for our young people, strengthen our communities, and shape a bright, ambitious future for everyone connected to the Trust.
