Earlier this week, we held our annual Trust Strategy Day at the Bridgewood Manor Hotel, in Chatham, Kent. This was the first time we brought all our academies and provisions together, since the joining of Victory Park Academy and Sutton House Academy.
The day brought together academy and provision leaders, trustees, local governors, and Central Team members to celebrate the growth of the trust, and the successes of each academy and provision. With short presentations from each, there were opportunities for the attendees to look at the common themes from the strengths, challenges and priorities shared. These themes will help the trust to develop both the short- and long-term strategies; with a child and young person approach as the centre of all discussions.
It is important that the trust is not just thinking short-term. As such, the attendees were asked to think about where they would like Fortis Trust to be known for by 2030; the challenges this could face, and the risks associated. This task enabled the leaders from their unique perspectives to provide insight to ensure that the Fortis Trust strategy meets the needs for each academy and provision and does not follow the ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach when it comes to improving the life chances of children and young people.
One of the core themes that emerged was the strong academic results and social and emotional development of the students across every provision. These successes look different for every academy and provision, as well as every child and young person. Therefore, Fortis Trust will work to ensure this differentiation, and the other themes explored, to ensure unique identities and outcomes are important factors going forward.
Scattered throughout the day networking breaks were provided, providing opportunities for attendees to find out more about each provision, especially the two new academies joining. It was also a time where each academy and provision leader could showcase a ‘proud practice’ item, which highlighted one recent moment which stood out for them, and demonstrated their uniqueness. Throughout these networking breaks, attendees further shared ideas, as well as ways they could work collaboratively to develop their knowledge and best practice.
In the afternoon, leaders looked at the importance of governance, and took part in scenarios, which linked to the Fortis Trust Scheme of Delegation. This was followed by the Chair of Trustees, Ian Chappell, sharing effective governance practices; to ensure that everyone understood what Fortis Trust was aiming to achieve for all of the provisions.
Each leader identified one thing they learned, one action to take forward and one contribution they will make to Fortis during the 2026/27 academic year; this ensured that the day was about action, and that every attendee had input and a role to play in ensuring the best standards of education is available to every child and young person within the trust.