After a glorious summer it’s good to get back in routine and welcome back our students, including those joining our Trust in Reception, Year 7 and Year 12.

It’s been my pleasure to visit all our schools in the last fortnight and see the same features: happy students and passionate teachers creating calm and purposeful conditions for learning.  We had good results to celebrate too.

As the sunshine slips away it’s worth reflecting on a terrific summer of sporting success, particularly Menna Fitzpatrick’s medals, England’s cricketing success in the India tests and the national football team’s success in the World Cup.

A lot was written about how Gareth Southgate’s leadership created the conditions for our best tournament result since the 1966 Euros.  By general consensus he created a combination of:

• Clear goals and aspirations
• A climate of trust which brought confidence
• Effective coaching and feedback
• Good relationships
• A spirit of collaboration, and
• A culture of optimism and positivity.

It’s reassuring that these features can be found in the way we try to do things in the Fallibroome Trust; that’s pretty much what I see in all my visits to our schools.

Our challenge this year is to go beyond the semi-finals and win our ‘cup’ by ensuring all our students, whatever their starting point, reach their potential.

I really look forward to helping our Headteachers and staff take their schools to the next level.  I may even buy a waistcoat!