Confederation of School Trusts
@cstvoice.bsky.social
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We are the national organisation and sector body for school trusts in England advocating for, connecting and supporting executive and governance leaders.
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In our final keynote, author Richard Reeves, spoke about why many boys and young men are struggling and what schools can do to respond. He invited delegates to consider how schools and trusts can ensure that every pupil has the opportunity to thrive.

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She was then joined by Dawn Haywood, Chief Executive at Windsor Academy Trust, to discuss the role of women’s leadership in shaping organisational culture.

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We have just heard from Baroness Sue Campbell, Chair of England Netball who delivered a powerful keynote on leadership and values-driven change.

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The afternoon continues with the second series of workshops at #CSTConf25 – there are over 10 workshops delivered by leading educational thinkers for delegates to choose from.
Join us for lunch now in Hall 3, kindly sponsored by Edwin.

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We now move onto our first workshop series of the Annual Conference. Share your takeaways using #CSTConf25.

These sit amongst a diverse range of sessions across multiple themes, all designed to support meaningful discussion and professional learning.

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A number of workshops are part of our curated streams, each offering perspectives on flourishing in practice:

- Finance, sponsored by IMP Software
- Listening, sponsored by Edurio
- Governance, curated by CST
(2) She said the upcoming Schools White Paper would move children served less well "from forgotten to included".

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(1) In her keynote, the Secretary of State for Education, Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP thanked trusts for their work over the last year: "There is no stronger force for good."

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(3) "We must anchor our schools even more deeply in their communities. School trusts must be civic in outlook, anchored in communities. We are the stewards of our school system and the institutions that we are building will have longevity, permanence, and durability."

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(2) "We must work with the state but not wait for permission. We must embrace our agency as civic actors.”

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(1) In her keynote address, Leora Cruddas CBE called on trust leaders to embrace the "partnership dividend" to make a difference for pupils and their communities.
Thank you to Sir Hamid Patel CBE for welcoming our delegates to #CSTConf25.
Our programme begins this morning with a performance from Shireland CBSO Academy’s Music Aptitude Ensemble, accompanied by musicians from the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO).

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Registration is underway at #CSTConf25. A warm welcome to everyone joining us in Birmingham this morning.
We are looking forward to welcoming delegates tomorrow for #CSTConf25. Delegates will explore, through the theme of flourishing, how our school system can move from good to great to deliver excellence, inclusion and equity for all children – and the adults that support them.
When leaders focus on helping staff and pupils to flourish, everyone benefits. Evidence shows it’s not a trade-off with outcomes, but a catalyst for improvement, says Ambition Institute’s Hilary Spencer. Read more: https://twp.ai/9PXKs1
New CST blog 'How leaders can support staff and pupils to flourish' by Hilary Spencer, Ambition Institute.
It can tempting to take an incremental approach to school budgets - but some times we need to step back and start from first principles, says IMP Software's Warren Porter. Read more: https://twp.ai/9PXKnp
New CST Blog 'Shaping budgets around what matters most' - IMP Software.
School trust leaders will be able to get more help with understanding their financial futures thanks to a deepening partnership between the Confederation of School Trusts and IMP Software, our latest platinum partner. Find out more here: https://twp.ai/9PXKo4
New CST Platinum Partner - IMP Software.
In our brand-new short course, seminar lead Jackie Eason MBE will explore the responsibilities of the careers lead trustee and how the role supports the board’s strategic oversight of careers education. Book your place now: https://twp.ai/9PXOdC
New CST short course: The role of the careers trustee. Starts on 19 November.
Dan Gerhardi, Digital Strategy Consultant at RM , explores how data visibility, cyber security, and inclusive design can help every child flourish in our latest blog. As networking drinks sponsor of #CSTConf25, RM is supporting this year’s theme, flourishing. Read more: https://twp.ai/9PXNyg
New CST Annual Conference blog 'What could the Children’s Plan mean for education technology provision?' by RM.
In our latest blog, Emma Hughes, Partner at Browne Jacobson, explores how trust boards can get it right under the 2025 Academy Trust Handbook, and why transparency, fairness and good governance are key.

Read more: https://twp.ai/9PXOeH
New CST Blog 'Executive pay: How trust boards can get it right'. Written by Emma Hughes, Partner at Browne Jacobson.
Join RSM's Craig Duff and Richard Mackie on 25 November for part one of our risk assurance masterclass series. Learn how to take a strategic approach to risk in your trust and strengthen decision-making. Book now: https://twp.ai/9PXOb1
CST Masterclass: Risk assurance for school trusts. Led by colleagues from RSM. Starts on 25 November.
The success of the education system hinges on adults who are well-rested, valued, supported, and championed by society. Our People and Culture conference will explore how we can help the adults in our school trusts to flourish.
Find out more and book here: https://twp.ai/E6CUuQ
#CSTPeopleCulture
CST People and Culture Conference 2025: Flourishing adults, flourishing children
Tuesday 11 November 2025, Birmingham
Book now – last few places