Welcome back after (what I hope was) a relaxing and fun-filled spring bank break! I’m really pleased to report that the 3 schools converted on 1st June 2016 as scheduled, so Nexus Multi Academy Trust is now up and running. The Trust website is now set up, (Website), where more information about the Trust can be accessed.

Loads has happened since my last briefing, though I think I can safely say that the most significant event was the Abbey Ofsted inspection on 24th and 25th May, where the school was not only removed from special measures, but was judged to be Good across the board. It came as no surprise, but it was thrilling—and quite moving—to be sat in the feedback meeting hearing how impressed the senior HMI was with the hard work Luci and the team have done under the guidance of the Interim Executive Board.

Words from the lips of the Inspectors included: "significant shift in morale"; "strong inspirational leadership"; "Unwavering high expectations"; "We've had some fun in classrooms - don't they look great"; "Teaching here has come SO far in such a short time"; "Wonderful engagement, offering pupils elements of choice"; "A safe place to make mistakes"; "Good across the board". To move directly from special measures to become a Good school is very special indeed and a rare happening: what a wonderful asset to have in Nexus from day 1.

In other news, on the evening of 17th May I was thrilled to be invited to attend a dramatization of the “The Tempest” at Maltby’s Wesley Centre, where a fusion of pre- recorded and live acting by pupils at Hilltop and Kelford Schools really did bring life to this year’s Shakespeare Festival. Open Minds Theatre Group have worked with Amanda France (Hilltop), Steve Barton (Kelford) and their teams to ensure that our children and young people felt confident to participate and they were incredibly engaging in their production. Shakespeare can so often be confusing and difficult to access for many of us: this production of The Tempest was enthralling and most of all: fun!

Finally, on 18th May 2016, a cohort of 15 school leaders undertaking the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) visited Kelford School, as part of their “closing the gap” module. The group spent a full day walking around school, observing practice and seeing how our children and young people learn and develop. The feedback they provided was incredibly positive, with the group stating it was a “privilege” to spend time with us. A huge well done to Jacky and the team, and a big thank you to Sarah Mulhall who coordinated and facilitated the visit.

Well, that’s it for this month. If there are any questions or queries you have and want to ask me directly—or if there are things you think it would be helpful to include in this monthly briefing— please don’t hesitate to contact me at ceo@nexusmat.org.

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