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

19
Sep

Monkton Wood student wins art competition

A talented young artist from Monkton Wood Academy has triumphed over thousands of other students to be named the winner of the Cabot Learning Federation artist of the year competition.

Year 9 student Elsie Ryder’s outstanding line drawing, a unique blend of an everyday scene and famous artwork, impressed audiences, earning her the top spot through an online vote.

Her work had been displayed in an online gallery alongside art created by students from other CLF students between Gloucestershire and Somerset.

Elsie said: “This is an amazing surprise! I am very passionate about art and have worked so hard on this piece. I am absolutely thrilled to receive this award.”

Created as part of her Key Stage 3 Art lessons, the impressive piece took Elsie approximately 10 hours to complete. The inspiration for her artwork came from the celebrated self-taught landscape and portrait artist Ben Hughes.

Elsie’s passion for art is set to continue, as she has now chosen to pursue the subject at GCSE level.

Working across the Cabot Learning Federation’s (CLF) Arts curriculum network, this initiative was created to help showcase all the wonderful artwork being produced across the federation.

All academies had the opportunity to put forward their own Artist of the Year, with finalists’ work displayed digitally in an online exhibition. CLF staff, students and the wider community were invited to visit the virtual gallery and vote for their winner.

The gallery earned 14,000 views and 1,250 votes were cast.

In recognition of Elsie’s achievement, she was presented with a personalised leather art roll by Steve Taylor, CEO of the Cabot Learning Federation.

Heather Essadiq, CLF Curriculum Curator for Art and Design, said: “The wide range of work produced, at such high standards, is a testament to the creativity and hard work of CLF students. One collective community, supporting and raising the next generation of artists.”

 

18
Sep

Haywood Village Academy is Supported by Howards Motor Group with £2,500 Donation

Howards Motor Group visited Haywood Village Academy this week to celebrate the products that the company has helped finance for the school. Representatives from Howards were delighted to see the school put the £2,500 donation to use, pupils across the school with a variety of resources for outdoor play and classroom activities.

The donation enabled the purchase of iPads, which Key Stage 1 students have been using enthusiastically. Children shared how the iPads support their learning, with one student explaining, “We play TTRS Rockstars and Numbots on these to help with our number skills!” The school’s HVA radio pod DJs were excited to receive new headphones, and the outdoor play area saw an upgrade with new footballs and clipboards for drawing and note-taking. One Year 4 pupil eagerly demonstrated his goalkeeping skills using the newly acquired rebound ball equipment. In addition, Pre-school facilities were enhanced with new furniture, including storage units for loose parts and a much-needed changing table.

Mr Jacob Hollings, Retail Operations Manager for Howards Toyota, stated the Group’s commitment to investing in local communities: “Supporting local schools and initiatives like this is incredibly important to us. With a strong presence in Weston-super-Mare, Yeovil, Dorchester, and Taunton, we take pride in our long-standing history of giving back to the communities we serve. Whether through donations to schools, local sports clubs, or other causes, we stay committed to making a positive impact.”

Chris Lee, Managing Director of Howards Motor Group, added: “Our Howards Family Charitable Partnership Programme was set up to ensure that we are contributing to the well-being of our communities in meaningful ways. By supporting local schools like Haywood Village Academy, we’re helping to create environments where children can thrive both academically and personally. It’s wonderful to see the immediate impact our donation is having here.”

Mr Jones, Principal of Haywood Village Academy, expressed his appreciation for the support: “It’s widely known that school budgets can be very challenging, so we are hugely appreciative of this generous donation from Howards Motor Group. The new equipment will positively impact the children’s school experience. We feel very supported, and it has been fantastic to be visited by Jacob so that he can see how resources like these can enhance the children’s day.”

 

 

03
Sep

New Weston Principal Says ‘Joy-Filled Curriculum’ Can Maintain School’s Culture Of ‘High Achievement’

A new Principal has been appointed at a Weston-super-Mare primary school – and aims to deliver a ‘joy-filled curriculum’ to help uphold its culture of ‘high achievement, equity and inclusion’.

Georgie Tinker will take up the reins at Herons’ Moor Academy in Locking Castle from the start of the new school year this week.

She will succeed Julie Fox, who has held the role of Principal since Herons’ Moor first opened in 2003, but who retired at the end of the last school year in July.

Georgie has previously worked in a number of schools in the North Somerset area, and has spent the past six years working as Vice Principal at Uphill Village Primary School – like Herons’ Moor, a school which is part of the Cabot Learning Federation.

She spent time at Herons’ Moor last term getting to know the school and children, but will formally step into the new role this week.

Georgie says she is keen to build strong relationships within the school, with parents, and across the wider community, to help all pupils achieve success.

Georgie Tinker, new Principal at Herons’ Moor Academy, said: “I feel extremely privileged to have the opportunity to build upon the success achieved under the leadership of Julie Fox and am excited to begin our learning journey together leading Herons’ Moor into its next chapter.

Being a mother of two now-teenagers, I understand the importance of high standards in teaching and learning and will ensure, along with the committed staff team, that all children experience success at Herons’ Moor.

“Working within our CLF family of schools, my vision for Herons’ Moor puts children at the heart of everything we do. My aim is for all children to experience a joy-filled curriculum which is delivered by quality teachers and support staff, ensuring equity and inclusion for the whole of the Locking Castle learning community.

“I want to build positive relationships and foster a whole-school environment which thrives on mutual respect, kindness, patience and honesty. Working closely with parents, I aim to make Herons’ Moor a school of high achievement, which everyone is proud to be part of.”

Susie Weaver, Executive Director at the Cabot Learning Federation, said Georgie possesses the skills and experience to lead a school which has maintained a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating since 2009.

She said: “Georgie has been a Vice Principal at Uphill Primary Academy for a number of years and been part of the educational landscape in Weston for 20 years.

“Throughout the interview process, Georgie demonstrated a strong sense of connection to the Herons’ Moor Academy and the community, as well as the CLF and its North Somerset family of schools. I am confident she is the right person to lead Herons’ Moor forward into its next exciting chapter.”

Parents who are interested in learning more about Herons’ Moor Academy ahead of selecting a school place for next September are welcome to make an appointment at the school office for a tour. Call 01934 441901 to book.

22
Aug

GCSE results across the CLF

Students and parents across the Cabot Learning Federation (CLF) have much to celebrate following the release of this year’s GCSE examination results. The dedication and hard work of our students, supported by their families and the committed staff across our schools, have culminated in a day filled with pride and achievement.

To find out more please see below.

Monkton Wood Academy

Students at Monkton Wood Academy are celebrating their GCSE and BTEC results today. Their success is down to their hard work and the encouragement and support of their families and school staff.

For all the details click here

Broadoak Academy

At Broadoak Academy we are delighted to announce that students have yet again attained very well in the 2024 GCSE exams.

This is down to the hard work, dedication, and resilience of our wonderful students, as well as the unwavering support of our parents/carers, and the formidable work of our staff in doing everything they can to support our students to these outcomes. A huge thank you to everyone – our hard work, our togetherness and community spirit are bearing fruit!

For all the details click here.

Hans Price Academy

Adrian Esch, Principal at Hans Price Academy said: “We have had another successful year at Hans Price Academy. I am delighted that our Year 11 students have made excellent progress during their time with us, and that we continue to sustain these outcomes each year.

Staff and students are highly ambitious at Hans Price Academy. This has once again been reflected in our results.  This year over 50% of students achieved one or more top grades across their range of subjects. Students have also taken advantage of the additional sessions before and after school, as well as during the holidays. We are thrilled that they are now able to pursue their chosen courses and destinations.

As always, I am deeply grateful for the dedication, enthusiasm and tenacity of our staff, as well as the fantastic support of our families who have worked alongside us for 5 years to ensure that their child is “Ready to Learn” and have the high expectations and self-belief required to fulfil their potential.

We are incredibly proud of our students and wish them every success for the future.”

Steve Taylor CEO of the Cabot Learning Federation said: “Across the Cabot Learning Federation, we have almost 1,800 students collecting their results today after 12 years of education, and the day is all about them as individuals. There are some extraordinary stories of young people achieving well against the odds, showing the tenacity and commitment to invest in themselves and their futures. We know that they are making their parents and carers and our colleagues proud, and we’re just as excited to see where they go next as what they find when they open their envelopes today. Well done to them and thank you to the many colleagues who have nurtured their potential and helped them to grow from the first day they were dropped off at school!”

Hanham Woods Academy

Everyone at Hanham Woods is extremely proud of the journey the Class of 2024 have been on to achieve their GCSE results. Their outcomes are a result of the hard work and dedication shown, not only during Year 11 but throughout their time at the Academy.

For all the details click here.

Snowdon Village

The children across Snowdon Village have done well in their exams again this year and almost all of the Year 11 cohort have secured a place in further education. The school is open this week and next (it has been open throughout the summer) to support the children who have yet to secure their placements.

For all the details click here.

John Cabot Academy

John Cabot Academy is pleased to announce another year of outstanding achievements by its students in their GCSEs this summer. The students at John Cabot Academy always thrive academically in a supportive and compassionate culture.

For all the details click here.

Bristol Brunel Academy

Today’s GCSE results are the product of a community effort over the last five years. Our students, their families and staff have worked consistently hard and provided support, in so many ways, to ensure that they can progress onto their next phase in their journey. We have seen real strength in character and determination from year 11’s which have been reflected in their outcomes.

Principal, Jen Cusack said: “I am immensely proud of what this year group have achieved and that the resilience that they have shown. The atmosphere this morning has been one of nerves, excitement and pride in what has been accomplished, where staff and students have been able to share their success together. I am looking forward to hearing about future plans as they enter an exciting new chapter in their lives.”

Bristol Metropolitan Academy

Bristol Metropolitan Academy are celebrating the culmination of many years of hard work for our Year 11 students today.  Our students have a proven track record of securing some of the best results in the city and this year it looks like they have smashed it again securing some of the strongest results in the history of the Academy.

For all the details click here.

Digitech Studio School

Digitech Studio School Bristol is pleased to report a set of strong outcomes by its students in their GCSEs and vocational qualifications this summer. The grades achieved are testament to the hard work, commitment and resilience the students have demonstrated over the past two years at Digitech. All students should be immensely proud of what they have achieved. The results in the creative and digital vocational subjects, which underpin the specialist curriculum at Digitech, have been excellent again this year.

Chris Ballard, the school’s principal, said: “We want to congratulate all of our year 11 students who have received their results today and are extremely proud of all their work, achievements and outcomes. The students have shown passion, commitment and determination in their studies throughout their time here at Digitech and it has been great to see lots of smiling faces this morning as students secure the grades that they worked so hard for and are now able to progress onto their desired destination.

Worthy of special mention are Alex Mapson, Louisa Davis, Oscar Patterson, Oliver Pincott, Iolo Breakspear-Purcell, Miles Giles, Chloe Little, Siri Makela, Marnie Tickner and Leah Lewis all of whom achieved a particularly impressive array of qualifications.

“Thank you to all the staff who have worked tirelessly to ensure all of our students are able to progress onto their next steps, and we look forward to seeing what they will achieve in the future.”

City Academy

City Academy has achieved another year of above average progress. Over 62% of students passed Maths and 65% of students passed English.

For all the details click here.

Tewkesbury Academy

Tewkesbury Academy is celebrating another great year and congratulates our Y11 students on their success in their GCSEs and other Level 2 awards.

For all the details click here.

1 19 20 21 22 23 63

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