Reach South Academy Trust Hosts Successful Heads’ Forum
Leaders from across Reach South Academy Trust gathered for a day of collaboration, connection, and professional learning at the second Heads’ Forum of the 2025–2026 academic year. The event brought together Heads from all functions, Regional Directors, and members of the Trust’s Executive Team for a focused programme centred on continuous school improvement and Curriculum Led Financial Planning (CLFP).
We were especially pleased to welcome colleagues from Transforming Futures Trust, who joined us, in advance of our voluntary merger on the 1st May, as well as Reach South colleagues stepping into new phases of their teaching careers. Their fresh perspectives and growing expertise enriched discussions throughout the day.
A Day Dedicated to Shared Learning
The Forum provided much‑valued protected time for leaders to exchange insights, celebrate achievements, and explore shared challenges. Workshops facilitated by the Trust’s own subject matter experts (SMEs) sparked rich dialogue and deeper learning across several key themes.
Leaders engaged in an in‑depth exploration of the Trust‑wide approach to continuous school improvement and reflected on the impact of our developing regional structure. Delegates celebrated progress achieved through this new operating model and considered how these changes continue to strengthen collaboration across schools.
Safeguarding, inclusion, and updates on the latest Ofsted inspection framework were examined in detail, along with lessons learnt from recent inspections, providing leaders with clarity, practical guidance, and space to discuss implications for their own settings.
Curriculum Led Financial Planning: Progress and Practice
The project team took colleagues through the concept and practice of Curriculum Led Financial Planning (CLFP), guided them through the learning journey so far, offering insights into how CLFP enables more strategic and sustainable decision‑making.
Pilot schools shared experiences of adapting internal processes in partnership with the wider CLFP project team. Through ongoing review, discussion, and refinement, these schools are shaping approaches that reflect the unique needs of different phases and learning environments—demonstrating the flexibility and power of the CLFP model.
Strengthening Connections Across the Trust
Attendees left the Forum equipped with new tools, practical takeaways, and deeper understanding of the key topics shaping our work. Perhaps most importantly, the day strengthened connections across the Trust—helping leaders to continue to build and embed relationships, share expertise, and support each other in driving continued improvement for every pupil we serve.
