by Rob Robson, ASCL Trust Leadership Consultant, and Richard Sheriff, CEO of the Red Kite Learning Trust and ASCL Past President. 

As we navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of the education sector, it is important that we take a breath to consider how we might shape the future of our schools, colleges and trusts. The current multi-academy trust system, which we refer to as Trust 1.0, has been in place for some time, but we need to explore how we can adapt and evolve to meet the changing needs of our students, staff, and communities. We think that this new era, which we might call Trust 2.0, should be characterised by a greater emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and resilience.

The challenges we face are multifaceted and complex. With the prospect of flat funding for the next five years, it is necessary to explore ways to prioritise efficiency and seek out innovative solutions to maximise our limited resources. As Generations Z and A enter the workforce, their expectations for a more flexible and dynamic work environment require us to rethink our approach to staffing and professional development. The increasing role of artificial intelligence and technology in education presents both opportunities and challenges as we consider how to harness these tools to personalise learning experiences and support our staff.

Furthermore, the changing nature of leadership itself may necessitate a re-evaluation of our current structures and practices. As the demands and expectations placed on school leaders continue to evolve, we need to explore alternative models that foster greater collaboration, shared responsibility, and support.

To begin addressing these challenges and opportunities, we want to encourage open dialogue, share ideas, and collaborate on potential strategies for moving towards a Trust 2.0 model. This should involve leaders and staff, policymakers, parents, students, and other stakeholders across the entire education system, not just those that lead and work in trusts.

Some areas for discussion might include:

• Exploring ways to enhance collaboration among schools, trusts, and other educational institutions to drive innovation and share best practices
• Considering how to create a more inclusive and equitable education system that embraces diversity and neurodiversity
• Examining potential adaptations to staffing models to better align with the needs and expectations of Millennials and Generations Z and A (who are just around the corner)
• Discussing strategies for implementing flexible school organisation while maintaining consistency and promoting continuous improvement
• Exploring ways to improve leadership identification, training, and support to foster a more cohesive and supportive environment
• Investigating the potential of technology and AI to reduce workload and improve practice while addressing ethical and bias concerns
• Considering how to align key aspects of the curriculum while allowing for local flexibility and innovation
• Examining the role of parents, local communities, and governance in the education system and exploring ways to encourage open communication and engagement

Navigating change is rarely a straightforward process, and we will encounter various challenges along the way. However, we have an opportunity to guide our schools through this transition with vision, understanding, and adaptability. Rather than waiting for others to dictate the path forward, we can actively engage in shaping the future of education in England.

By coming together to explore these ideas and share our experiences, we can work towards a more collaborative, innovative, and sustainable education system that better serves our students, staff, and communities. We encourage everyone involved in education to join the conversation and contribute their perspectives and ideas as we collectively navigate the path towards a more effective and inclusive education system.

Get involved
Do you have any thoughts or suggestions on how we can work towards a more collaborative and sustainable education system? We would really value your input in this conversation as we look to both navigate and shape the future of education. Please get in touch with us via our dedicated email trustleaders@ascl.org.uk  

You can also keep up to date with our work on trusts by subscribing to our regular newsletter here. 

We look forward to hearing from you. 

Rob Robson is ASCL Trust Leadership Consultant, and Richard Sheriff is CEO of the Red Kite Learning Trust, and ASCL Past President.