While we cannot know the future, the purpose of the CLF Strategy 2030 is to ensure the CLF is prepared and focused on meeting the challenges of this decade, while also providing hope and opportunities to our learners, our people and our communities; it is against the ideals of this narrative that work of the trust is monitored and its future success judged.

Steve Taylor, CEO - Cabot Learning Federation

Our Core Strategy

Equity Through Education is underpinned by three core strategies central to all trust activity. They guide decisions around development and improvement, while adhering to our commitment to create equity of opportunity, promote inclusion, remove disadvantage and reject discrimination.

  • Through the Lens of Disadvantage

    • Strategic emphasis on delivering excellence for disadvantaged learners even over other groups.
    • Benchmarking our impact through the lens of disadvantaged learners.
    • Developing best practice among CLF People to deliver for disadvantaged learners.
    • Working in tandem with others via CLF Partnerships to support our most disadvantaged families.
  • Investing in People

    • Sector-leading support, learning and professional development.
    • A welcoming, diverse and inclusive environment.
    • Resilient, empowered teams, with leaders at all levels.
    • Meaningful commitment to wellbeing and career progression.
    • High standards and ambitions for learners and their families.
  • Investing in Partnerships

    • Deep and collaborative connections throughout our communities.
    • Clear understanding of community issues and opportunities, and enthusiasm to engage.
    • Strong relationships with learners, parents, carers, volunteers and alumni.
    • Contribute to the educational and social landscape – locally, regionally and nationally.
    • Partner with other civic agencies to be a force for good in our local area

Our Sub-Strategies

Designed as enablers of our core pillars, these seven sub-strategies transcend teams and departments to resonate throughout the CLF. Driven by senior members of staff and reviewed annually, these ambitions will contribute to the sustainable development of the trust.

EDI
Wellbeing
Digital
Voice
Leadership
Operating at Scale
Environment
  • Unwavering commitment to advancing equal opportunities for all, eliminating discrimination, and upholding CLF values of equity, equality, diversity and inclusion.
  • Ensure the Trust remains a place where everyone feels they belong and supported to succeed.
  • Support the drive to diversify the CLF workforce to reflect the diverse communities we serve.
  • Grow EDI Networks which create safe spaces for children and adults to be themselves.
  • Provide resources to help staff and students positively and proactively manage their wellbeing.
  • Ensure support is signposted and easily available if people are struggling.
  • Further evolve a wellbeing curriculum which aligns with our goal of self-agency.
  • Play an active role in communities which supports equitable access to mental health services for all – particularly those experiencing disadvantage.
  • Enable all staff and pupils to safely and effectively work and learn anytime, anywhere.
  • Be future-seekers, equipped and ready to adopt technology which has ‘crossed the chasm’.
  • Give people the right tools to support their work, and train them to excel.
  • Embrace technology which supports partnership ambitions within the community and across clusters and wider education system.
  • Be a listening organisation which puts its people at the heart of strategic choices.
  • Nurture cohesive and coherent systems which gather and understand stakeholder views.
  • Maintain strong understanding of our trust and its impact through the eyes of our communities.
  • Be a model for CLF students, staff, families and communities to use to enact societal change
  • Utilise Trust experience to develop leadership to meet the challenges of this decade.
  • Raise standards by investing in capacity and expertise across the Trust.
  • Nurture a leadership culture which sustains a high-performing Trust which improves as it grows.
  • Empower leaders to take ownership of improvements which raise standards
  • Deploy the right resource at the right time to deliver maximum impact.
  • Establish efficient and effective systems which add value and support core priorities.
  • Build a scalable model which enables both standardised and empowered future growth.
  • Develop a new financial operating model, shaped by the above outputs, which delivers successful outcomes.
  • A shared commitment to reducing environmental impact which will see all schools hold Eco Schools Green Flag status.
  • An annual environmental conference where green champions can showcase positive action in schools.
  • Deep pupil engagement in environmental matters, supported by the CLF curriculum.
  • Provide data to help schools understand and reduce their impact through behaviour and technical change.

Strategy In Action

04
Feb

Winterstoke Hundred teachers join Bristol Cathedral memorial for civil rights trailblazer

Teachers Andy Thomas and Emily Robinson from Winterstoke Hundred Academy had the privilege of attending a special service at Bristol Cathedral, celebrating the life and legacy of Dr Paul Stephenson.

The event, attended by dignitaries, VIPs, and members of the community, paid tribute to Dr Stephenson’s extraordinary contributions to the civil rights movement in Britain.

Andy Thomas and Emily Robinson developed a close friendship with Dr Stephenson through their previous school, which he frequently visited to share his experiences and inspire students with his life’s work.

Dr Stephenson, who passed away in November at the age of 87, was a pivotal figure in the fight for racial equality.

He led the 1963 Bristol Bus Boycott, a landmark protest against racial discrimination, which played a crucial role in the introduction of the Race Relations Act.

Emily Robinson, Head of House, said: “Dr Stephenson was a true pioneer whose actions changed the course of history.

“His passion for justice and equality resonated deeply with our students, and his legacy serves as a powerful reminder that one person can make a difference. It was an honour to celebrate his life and reflect on the lessons he taught us all.”

Andy Thomas, Associate Assistant Principal, added: “It was a privilege to attend this service in honour of Dr Paul Stephenson.

“As the former Head of Stephenson House in my previous school, I had the opportunity to see firsthand the profound impact his story had on young people.

“His courage, resilience, and commitment to justice continue to inspire us all, and it is our responsibility to ensure that his legacy lives on in the next generation.”

Dr Stephenson’s legacy continues to inspire future generations, and Winterstoke Hundred Academy is honoured to have had the opportunity to celebrate his remarkable life and achievements.

 

30
Jan

CLF Post 16 Students benefit from exciting partnership with Not Impossible

Cabot Learning Federation (CLF) Post 16 students are gaining invaluable hands-on experience thanks to a groundbreaking partnership with Not Impossible, an organisation that connects young talent with busy employers through micro placements designed to promote social mobility.

Through this collaboration, CLF Post 16 students have the opportunity to participate in meaningful work experience placements, giving them practical insights into various industries and fields.

Recently, a group of students visited the Invivo Healthcare lab, where they explored cutting-edge research into microbiomes and discovered more about advancements in health science.

Work experience is a cornerstone of the CLF Post 16 curriculum, ensuring every student develops the skills, confidence, and knowledge to stand out when applying for universities, apprenticeships, or entering the workforce.

Alison Ashman, Vice Principal for CLF Post 16, said: “At CLF Post 16, we’re committed to equipping our students with opportunities that prepare them for the future.

“This partnership with Not Impossible allows our young people to engage with real-world employers and explore industries they are passionate about, broadening their horizons and driving their ambitions.”

By participating in these placements, students not only gain critical experience but also make meaningful connections with employers, helping to bridge the gap between education and the professional world.

 

Read our Full Strategic Plan

Contact Us

CEO: Mr Steve Taylor
Federation House
King's Oak Academy
Brook Road, Bristol
BS15 4JT
Contact Us
Registered Company: Cabot Learning Federation
Company No: 06207590