Louise Spellman

Chief Executive, Spark Education Trust

Louise is CEO of the newly formed Spark Education Trust, a merger of The 1590 Trust and Vision Academy Learning Trust. Louise was CEO of The 1590 Trust from its formation in July 2018 and also Headteacher of Conyers School. A successful leader with 20 years senior leadership experience, Louise was awarded the Lord Glenamara Most Inspiring Headteacher Award for her work at Conyers School. She believes that excellence is achieved through collaboration and partnership and as such has chaired the Stockton Secondary Heads Group, is a member of the Stockton Strategic Education Board, Redcar and Cleveland Education Board and the Campus Tees Schools Alliance Board. An English teacher by background, Louise knows that improving literacy and communication skills will significantly improve the lives of all children and young people.

1 Workshops series two

Navigating in a time of mergers and growth: A leadership journey

According to the Edurio National CST School Trust Report 2025, one in six trusts (15%) report considering merging with another trust, and 59% of CEOs report that they expect to open or add schools to their trust in the next year. This session will explore how strong leadership and positive culture underpin the entire merger process, and are essential to its success. Join colleagues from Edwin People in an exploration with three CEOs that are at different stages of this journey to understand the human and strategic sides of merger and trust growth. Delegates will learn from key lessons encountered through the merger process, and the impact on how adult wellbeing drives sustained outcomes for children. Join this workshop to hear where the role of a Chief People Officer/People Director fits into the overall merger strategy, and understand both the challenges and opportunities at play.

14:30

1 Main programme

Harnessing the Spark: How a new brand is helping two trusts come together

When Vision Academy Learning Trust and The 1590 Trust decided to merge, they knew they needed a new logo - but soon realised that was just the start. Spark Education Chief Executive Louise Spellman will talk through how the trust developed its new brand and values, how the project changed along the way, and how it has ultimately helped staff from both trusts develop a shared vision and come together as a single family of schools. <em>This is a change from the previously advised session.</em>