Giles Taylor
1 Series four
Flourishing environments: Analysing DfE’s school estate management standards
The DfE’s new standards embody a shift in the government’s approach to improving the condition, safety, suitability, and sustainability of school estates across England. This session will provide an expert analysis of the new guidance and the implications for school trusts. We’ll hear how trusts align standards with broader policy goals and funding expectations to create a successful and resilient estates strategy. Most importantly, we’ll translate policy into practice. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of what the new standards require, practical tools for assessing current compliance, and strategic advice on aligning estate management with educational outcomes, financial planning, and sustainability goals.
1 Series four
Evolving internal scrutiny to the next generation
Is your internal scrutiny programme compliance-driven, problem-focused, or disconnected from your strategic priorities? This interactive session will explore how to transform internal scrutiny into a forward-looking, risk-informed tool that supports continuous improvement. Join our speakers for a discussion around how to align scrutiny with future risks and opportunities, foster a culture of psychological safety, and overcome common barriers through shared real-life experiences.
1 Series four
Implementing innovation: Leading AI and edtech strategy for positive futures
AI and edtech are reshaping education, and strategic leadership is critical to ensure innovation delivers real impact. This session explores how school and trust leaders can drive positive futures through ethical, scalable use of digital technologies. We’ll examine key decisions around investment, assessment, curriculum, and workforce readiness in an AI-driven world. Drawing on Pearson’s national and global insights, the session offers practical guidance to align innovation with trust-wide goals to support excellence, equity, and integrity.
1 Series four
ITT revisited: Reshaping teacher training for the SEND classroom
The unprecedented number of pupils with SEND is prompting some trust leaders to re-evaluate their approach to Initial Teacher Training (ITT). In this session, we'll hear how The Gallery Trust, comprising of seven schools offering specialist and alternative provision, has developed a tailored ITT programme and its impact so far. Designed in-house and rooted in specialist expertise, the programme embeds SEND training throughout, with the aim of better preparing future specialist teachers and strengthening mainstream provision. You'll gain practical ideas and strategies to help adapt ITT towards a more inclusive and responsive education system.
1 Series four
Exploring the framework for joyful education
How can we create a joyful school experience grounded in belonging, purpose, and connection? This session explores a mentoring model involving pupils in year 10 who, through shared values and identity work, support their younger peers in year 8. We’ll examine how this approach empowers disengaged students to become school ambassadors, encouraging leadership and empathy through relational practice. Reflections from mentors, mentees, and school leaders will offer honest insights into the potential and challenges of this work, and the impacts it has had. Together, we’ll consider how these practices can shape more inclusive, purposeful school communities.
1 Series four
GAG pooling: Driving fairness, resilience, and strategic impact
With rising costs and tightening budgets, some trusts are exploring GAG pooling as a way to build financial resilience and ensure equity across their academies. In this session, trust leaders will share their respective approaches – from equalising pension rates and centralising services, to using pooled reserves to support vulnerable schools and invest in shared priorities. We’ll discuss practical insights into how it works for them, the benefits it has the potential to unlock, and how to manage the cultural and leadership challenges along the way. Whether you are considering GAG pooling or looking to refine your existing approach, this session will help you think strategically and act confidently.
1 Series four
Trust narratives: How to harness storytelling to support your strategy
How we tell our story as a trust is as important as the story itself. Compelling narratives can shape identity, build trust and align your community around a shared vision for success. This session will explore how harnessing the power of storytelling can support strategic objectives - from stakeholder engagement and growth to cultural cohesion and reputation management. Tiff and Nick will illustrate how a clear and consistent narrative is key to flourishing as a trust. You’ll have the opportunity to consider the how and why behind the stories you want to be telling, to achieve growth (in every sense as an organisation), strengthen reputations, and enhance stakeholder relationships.
1 Series four
Listening to parents: Strengthening school communities through collaboration
This session explores how schools are engaging with parents to forge effective partnership in children's education. Speakers from Eko Trust and Big Education Trust will share their approaches to building inclusive, community-rooted relationships with families. Nicola Noble will reflect on Surrey Square Primary School’s Old Kent Road Family Zone project and its impact on local engagement, and Rebekah Iiyambo will highlight in-depth work with parents and carers to foster a deep sense of belonging through an inclusive and active listening approach. You’ll leave with grounded insights and practical ideas to consider and adapt in your own school communities.