A local multi-academy trust is celebrating after becoming the first in the UK to receive a whole trust Ofsted review, in which it was praised for its approach to improving education and outcomes for pupils.
The Truro and Penwith Academy Trust (TPAT), established by the Ofsted outstanding Truro and Penwith College in 2014, is highlighted in Ofsted's 'whole trust Summary Evaluation' as a leading example nationwide of the positive impact of multi-academy trusts. The full Ofsted report has been published and can be found at https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/1000/5119
TPAT currently consists of 25 schools from across Cornwall (22 primary schools and three secondary) with more than 5,000 pupils. A team of four Ofsted inspectors spent almost a week visiting schools, interviewing senior leaders, trustees and governors representing every school in the Trust.
In their Summary Evaluation, the inspectors praised the Trust's "self-sustaining" and "self-improving" philosophy, which allows teachers to flourish while retaining a focus on teaching and learning. Trust schools, they said, have a "rich and customised curriculum", while "leaders have used partnership work between schools to raise standards".
They particularly praised the leadership and governance of the Trust as providing, "strategic leadership" while allowing each school to retain its, "distinctiveness within its local community". Other key findings included:
The Trust's ethos reflects a strong commitment to collaboration and cooperation between and beyond its constituent schools. This develops capacity and expertise across the Trust at all levels.
The Trust is one that schools want to join. Local governing body representatives reported that they chose to join the Trust because they identify strongly with its vision. They value the high-quality support within the Trust, which consolidates what is strong and strengthens any weaknesses.
Trustees provide a clear vision which guides decision-making at all levels in the Trust. They keep an unwavering focus on achieving their key strategic priority, 'to improve the life chances of all children and young people in our schools'. There is no place for 'quick fixes' in this Trust. Its work is firmly grounded in sustainable improvement.
Inspectors also praised the Trust's partnership working throughout Cornwall, noting that it "draws effectively on expertise from Truro and Penwith College", which focuses on sharing and developing best practice of the Outstanding College to wider age groups. The Trust, they said, also "benefits from its partnership" with Truro and Penwith College’s Cornwall Teaching School, which works closely with Cornwall School Centred Initial Teacher Training.
Jenny Blunden, TPAT Chief Executive, shared her delight and thanks at the outcome of the Ofsted visit: "The findings of the Ofsted visit underlines the importance of our core vision - to value distinctiveness and to value the contributions of all our individual employees; leaders, teachers and support teams, to provide the highest quality education for our children and young people.
"This report highlights the positive impacts of a multi academy trust for local communities, improving education, improving life chances and being a key employer. Personally, I have many to thank for their individual contributions from across our Trust for sharing why our Trust is so collaborative and so entirely focused on children and young people."
Claire Fortey, Director of Education for TPAT, expressed her delight at the outcome of the Ofsted visit: "I love being part of a Trust that really values each and every school and where everyone is included. Our secret to success is quite simple really, we recognise that for schools to flourish pupils, teachers, support staff and leaders must be happy and well supported. It's fantastic for TPAT, for our schools, and for Cornwall as a whole that we've received this national recognition. We have such a lot to be proud of."
Ellen Winser, TPAT Chair of the board of Trustees, said: "I am delighted that the hard work of our excellent team has been recognised. We look forward to building on this and improving our efforts in schools to support all those involved be they pupils, members of staff, or parents and guardians."
David Walrond, Principal of Truro and Penwith College, added: "It is wonderful to have this Ofsted endorsement of the quality and impact of TPAT's work. In terms of the aims and missions of the Trust established as a collaborative endeavour just a few years ago, it has fulfilled these, but is still extending its reach and impact. It is remarkable how far and how fast it has travelled in delivering for Cornwall."
There was even a special message from the Education Minister, Lord Agnew, who said: "I wish to congratulate you following Ofsted's recent summary evaluation of the Truro and Penwith Academy Trust (TPAT). You should be rightly proud of the recently-published letter, which I read with great interest.
"I was particularly impressed by Ofsted's description of your own, and the trustees', strategic leadership and the impact that this has had on securing improved outcomes for the children within your Trust. What also comes across strongly is TPAT's clear understanding of what it means to be part of a family of schools, and how the multi-academy trust model can be an effective driver of greater opportunities for staff and pupils alike.
"I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all the excellent work you are doing. I continue to hear of your wider impact working across the South West region, with the TSC and other MATs and I look forward to continuing working with you as partners in the delivery of excellent state-funded education in the South West."
