NST CPD Day: Exceeding Expectations
On the last Friday of December 2024, the Northern Schools Trust welcomed all staff for the final CPD Day of the year at the North Liverpool Academy.
Welcome and Introductions
The day started with a warm welcome from Nigel Ward, CEO. Nigel emphasised the Trust's commitment to removing barriers to excellence and introduced Headteachers of the newest schools in the trust from Four Oaks, New Park Primary, Roscoe Primary, and Thomas Gray Primary School. Each Headteacher introduced their schools and gave some insight into the brilliant work they do for their students and the local community.
Four Oaks Primary School
Headteacher - Sara Robinson
Roscoe Primary School
Headteacher - Paula Jones
New Park Primary School
Headteacher - Kelly-Ann Poulson
Thomas Gray Primary School
Headteacher - Rachael Rimmer
Exceeding Expectations for Children with SEND
The first keynote speech was delivered by David Bartram, OBE.David has been a SEND policy adviser to the Department for Education, an adviser to the Mayor of London’s education team and Director of SEND at the London Leadership Strategy.
David is author of the SEND Review Guide, a national best practice framework funded by the Department for Education. He is editor of ‘Great Expectations, Leading an Effective SEND Strategy in School’ and co-author of ‘Beyond Boundaries, Leading Great SEND Provision Across a Trust’.
In an engaging session, David shared insights on best practices and strategies to support children with SEND in mainstream schools. His speech was both inspirational and practical, providing attendees with actionable ideas to implement in their classrooms.
To learn more about David's work, click here.
The Importance of Teamwork and Courageous Leadership
Mike Hamilton, OBE, founder of Commando Joes, held speeches throughout the day with a compelling keynote on "The Importance of Teamwork and Courageous Leadership." Drawing from his extensive experience in both the military and education sectors, Hamilton highlighted the significance of fostering resilience and leadership within educational settings.
Mike Hamilton OBE is an esteemed leader with a distinguished career encompassing global operations and transformative contributions to education. A commando-trained physical training instructor and bomb disposal technician, Mike undertook critical missions worldwide during his military service.
Following his military career, he transitioned into education, earning a Certificate in Education (Cert Ed) and teaching across primary, secondary, and further education sectors.
To learn more about Mike's work, click here.
Breakout Sessions and Workshops
The mid-morning breakout sessions allowed attendees to choose from a variety of workshops led by experts within the Trust.
Emily Vernon (NLA) shared leadership insights from her tenure at North Liverpool Academy, emphasising the power of routine in achieving academic excellence.
Nabil Jamil (Gateacre) provided strategies for improving school culture and student engagement in communities facing socioeconomic challenges.
Jon Foster discussed innovative approaches across physical education and special educational needs.
Jill Davies (CUC) focused on preparing young people for future job markets, integrating life sciences, and technical education.
Lunch and Networking
A catered lunch offered a valuable opportunity for networking, where educators exchanged ideas and experiences. This break fostered a sense of community among the participants and provided a relaxed environment to discuss the morning’s sessions.
Afternoon Highlights
The CPD day continued with additional breakout sessions, allowing attendees to dive deeper into specific topics. Workshops included detailed discussions on curriculum development, inclusion strategies, and the use of data to drive educational outcomes.
Nigel Ward returned to the stage to close the day, thanking attendees for their participation and encouraging them to take the day’s learnings back to their respective schools. He reiterated the importance of collaboration and continuous professional development in the Trust's mission to "exceed expectations."
Here's to 2025
The Northern Schools Trust CPD day at North Liverpool Academy was a resounding success, inspiring educators to push the boundaries of educational excellence. Through thought-provoking keynotes, engaging workshops, and collaborative discussions, the event reinforced the Trust's vision of exceeding expectations for every student and staff member.
We’d like to thank all professionals who attended and wish everyone a successful 2025.
If you are interested in joining the trust, get in touch here.