We’re revisiting our podcast on next-gen governance for the close of Trustees’ Week. Tiffany Beck OBE, Samira Sadeghi and Andy Wolfe discuss why governance matters and how boards steward long-term success. Listen: https://twp.ai/9PY3lB #TrusteesWeek

This Trustees’ Week, see how CST strengthens trust governance through expert training, curated resources, bespoke consultancy and access to our Governance and trustee professional community. Learn more: https://twp.ai/9PY4yf

The Curriculum and Assessment Review's final report has been published - we welcome its recognition of educational improvements achieved in recent decades and its thoughtful and evidence-based approach to evolving the national curriculum and assessment.

This week we are celebrating the trustees and governance professionals whose curiosity and civic leadership strengthen trust culture, strategy and integrity. #TrusteesWeek

This week we’re celebrating the trustees who give their time and expertise to strengthen governance and improve outcomes for pupils, shaping education across the country and supporting every young person to thrive. Thank you for all that you do. #TrusteesWeek

(1) Our Governance and trustee professional community meets on 4 November, 09:00–10:00. We’ll explore a new framework to strengthen board culture, leadership, and decision-making. Join the community: https://twp.ai/E6C7LN

(1) At #CSTConf25 last week, Deputy Chief Executive, Steve Rollett spoke about the choices - sometimes false ones - that trust leaders are presented with.

Our latest blog from Edurio shares insights on how listening to staff, pupils, and parents supports inclusive, high-quality education and addresses wellbeing and engagement challenges. Read more: https://twp.ai/E6BoCw

In her keynote address at #CSTConf25 last week, Leora Cruddas CBE encouraged delegates and the trusts they lead to explore the "trust dividend", and deepen their work with community partners. Read the full speech now on our website: https://twp.ai/E6Brw1

Join our new masterclass series on 13 January to strengthen commercial governance across your trust. Learn from experts on the strategic importance of procurement and how strong governance ensures value-for-money across your organisation. Book now: https://twp.ai/9PWNlF

(1) As #CSTConf25 comes to a close, we would like to thank all our delegates for attending what has been an exceptional two days exploring our theme, flourishing. Thank you to our incredible programme of keynote and workshop speakers who have made the event such a success.

In an inspiring closing keynote, Jaz Ampaw-Farr shared her powerful story of resilience and transformation, encouraging audiences to reconnect with their sense of purpose, reflect on their personal mindset and embrace the transformative power of human connection. #CSTConf25

It has been a fantastic morning at conference. Our programme continues this afternoon with two more series of workshops – share your experiences by using #CSTConf25.

(1) Professor Becky Francis thanked trusts for their contribution to the Curriculum and Assessment review, and set out two principles behind it. #CSTConf25

(1) Sir Martyn Oliver made the case for Ofsted as an inspectorate that really gets under the skin of what happens in schools, going beyond data. #CSTConf25

(1) In his opening keynote, Steve Rollett called on trust leaders to reject false choices in education, and to be active in leading school improvement.

Welcome to day two of #CSTConf25 – we have another jam-packed day of keynotes and workshops as we continue to explore our theme of flourishing.

What an incredible day one it has been at #CSTConf25. Thank you to all our keynotes and workshop speakers. Thank you to RM Technology for sponsoring our drinks reception and allowing further opportunities for colleagues to connect after today’s programme.

In our final keynote, author Richard Reeves, spoke about why many boys and young men are struggling and what schools can do to respond. He invited delegates to consider how schools and trusts can ensure that every pupil has the opportunity to thrive. #CSTConf25

We have just heard from Baroness Sue Campbell, Chair of England Netball who delivered a powerful keynote on leadership and values-driven change. #CSTConf25

The afternoon continues with the second series of workshops at #CSTConf25 – there are over 10 workshops delivered by leading educational thinkers for delegates to choose from.

Join us for lunch now in Hall 3, kindly sponsored by Edwin. #CSTConf25

We now move onto our first workshop series of the Annual Conference. Share your takeaways using #CSTConf25.

A number of workshops are part of our curated streams, each offering perspectives on flourishing in practice: - Finance, sponsored by IMP Software - Listening, sponsored by Edurio - Governance, curated by CST

(1) In her keynote, the Secretary of State for Education, Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP thanked trusts for their work over the last year: "There is no stronger force for good." #CSTConf25

(1) In her keynote address, Leora Cruddas CBE called on trust leaders to embrace the "partnership dividend" to make a difference for pupils and their communities.

Thank you to Sir Hamid Patel CBE for welcoming our delegates to #CSTConf25.

Our programme begins this morning with a performance from Shireland CBSO Academy’s Music Aptitude Ensemble, accompanied by musicians from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO). #CSTConf25

Registration is underway at #CSTConf25. A warm welcome to everyone joining us in Birmingham this morning.

We are looking forward to welcoming delegates tomorrow for #CSTConf25. Delegates will explore, through the theme of flourishing, how our school system can move from good to great to deliver excellence, inclusion and equity for all children – and the adults that support them.

When leaders focus on helping staff and pupils to flourish, everyone benefits. Evidence shows it’s not a trade-off with outcomes, but a catalyst for improvement, says Ambition Institute’s Hilary Spencer. Read more: https://twp.ai/9PXKs1

It can tempting to take an incremental approach to school budgets - but some times we need to step back and start from first principles, says IMP Software's Warren Porter. Read more: https://twp.ai/9PXKnp

School trust leaders will be able to get more help with understanding their financial futures thanks to a deepening partnership between the Confederation of School Trusts and IMP Software, our latest platinum partner. Find out more here: https://twp.ai/9PXKo4

In our brand-new short course, seminar lead Jackie Eason MBE will explore the responsibilities of the careers lead trustee and how the role supports the board’s strategic oversight of careers education. Book your place now: https://twp.ai/9PXOdC

Dan Gerhardi, Digital Strategy Consultant at RM , explores how data visibility, cyber security, and inclusive design can help every child flourish in our latest blog. As networking drinks sponsor of #CSTConf25, RM is supporting this year’s theme, flourishing. Read more: https://twp.ai/9PXNyg

In our latest blog, Emma Hughes, Partner at Browne Jacobson, explores how trust boards can get it right under the 2025 Academy Trust Handbook, and why transparency, fairness and good governance are key. Read more: https://twp.ai/9PXOeH

Join RSM's Craig Duff and Richard Mackie on 25 November for part one of our risk assurance masterclass series. Learn how to take a strategic approach to risk in your trust and strengthen decision-making. Book now: https://twp.ai/9PXOb1

The success of the education system hinges on adults who are well-rested, valued, supported, and championed by society. Our People and Culture conference will explore how we can help the adults in our school trusts to flourish. Find out more and book here: https://twp.ai/E6CUuQ #CSTPeopleCulture

Getting the right staff is crucial to helping pupils flourish in our schools and is at the heart of a new partnership between CST and leading talent advisors Anderson Quigley. They have become our latest platinum partner, offering long-term support to school trusts.

In our new podcast episode, Tiffany Beck OBE (PLMR), Samira Sadeghi (CST), and Andy Wolfe (Church of England) explore Next-Gen Governance, why it matters and how boards can act as true stewards of long-term success. Listen now:https://twp.ai/E6CLcv

Jen Elliott, CEO at EPM, shares how governance, workforce planning, and operational resilience help staff feel confident, valued, and supported in our latest blog. As app sponsor of CST’s Annual Conference 2025, EPM is supporting this year’s theme, flourishing. Read more: https://twp.ai/9PX8CA

At #CSTPeopleCulture Conference on 11 November, Jean Boyle (Stone King LLP) and Natalie Ruane (Just People HR) will explore how reforms in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill and Employment Rights Bill impact trusts and union relationships. Book now: https://twp.ai/9PX9V2

Our upcoming masterclass series will provide a clear introduction to the frameworks, compliance requirements and planning tools you need to manage estates effectively. Join expert seminar leads from Barker Associates on Tuesday 4 November. Book now: https://twp.ai/9PWxZh

Applications for our Professional Communities Manager role close tomorrow, Tuesday 30 September at midday. To find out more and apply, please visit our website:

We are recruiting for a Professional Communities Manager to lead the development, content curation, and operational delivery of CST’s 11 Professional Communities. Applications close at midday on Tuesday 30 September. Find out more: https://twp.ai/9PVaJL

Our Risk assurance for school trusts masterclass starts on 25 November. This three-part series will help leaders take a strategic approach to risk, from fundamentals to effective board assurance frameworks. Find out more and book now: https://twp.ai/9PVaKa

Our Safeguarding professional community meets on 25 September, 09:00–10:00. Dr Jon Needham will share the research published in his new book which explores a new typology of sexting and its practical applications for trust leaders. Join the community: https://twp.ai/E6ApP2

Our People and culture professional community meets on 23 September, 09:00-10:00. We will explore the role of data in understanding culture and how it can be used to drive meaningful change. Join the community: https://twp.ai/Imq6i7

We've today published our 2025 National School Trust Report. Created with @eduriocom.bsky.social it represents the biggest and most comprehensive survey of trust leaders' priorities for the year ahead. Explore it here: https://twp.ai/E6ArZK

We have our updated our scheme of delegation checklists guidance for 2025/6. Created in partnership with Trust Governance Professionals and Stone King LLP, the guidance helps trusts ensure this vital document is up to date and meets regulatory requirements. Read more: https://twp.ai/E6ArWB