Aligning trust-wide identity with local autonomy

Dixons Academies Trust follows an ‘aligned autonomy’ model, where all schools work within shared values and expectations but have flexibility in how they implement these. A structured approach to curriculum, workload, and operations ensures consistency, while school leaders retain autonomy in delivering these elements in ways that best suit their communities.

“We’ve worked with our principals to say, ‘Yes, you’re part of the Trust, and here are the aligned expectations we all adhere to and involve them in creating that, but you also have the autonomy to run things in ways that work best for your community.’” – Faizal Musa, School and College Trust Leader, Dixons Academies Trust

Embedding core values while encouraging local interpretation

Cirrus Primary Academy Trust upholds five core values such as inclusion, respect, resilience, honesty, and ambition across all its schools. However, headteachers have the freedom to interpret and implement them in ways that best serve their school communities.

While each school retains its unique identity and community ties, these overarching principles guide the trust’s approach to education, leadership, and organisational development. A defining feature of the trust is its commitment to allowing schools to maintain their individuality.

Trust-wide systems with room for innovation

LEO Academy Trust provides a trust-wide professional learning model and a digital infrastructure (such as a one-to-one Chromebook programme). At the same time, individual schools take the lead on specific initiatives. One school with a strong focus on sustainability, for example, led the trust’s wider sustainability efforts, demonstrating how a school’s expertise can shape trust-wide strategy.

“While all our schools have access to the same digital tools, if a school is particularly strong in a certain area, they might take the lead on that project across the trust. For instance, one of our schools has developed a radio station, and they’re now sharing their expertise with others who are interested in starting their own.” – Alison Day, Executive Director of Growth and Development, LEO Academy Trust

A framework for consistency with leadership input

Infinity Academies Trust developed a “Values into Action” guide, outlining expected, aspirational, and discouraged behaviours that align with trust-wide principles. Headteachers and staff helped shape this guide, ensuring it reflects the needs of each school while maintaining a shared standard.

The “Values into Action” guide explores a framework of how trust values should look in action: What they expect to see, what they would love to see, and things they should not see. Providing examples for each of their values supports the common understanding across all schools.

Strengthening identity through branding and shared language

Windsor Academy Trust ensures consistency across its schools through unified branding and shared messaging. The “Rocket Ship” diagram—a visual representation of the trust’s values and strategy—is displayed in school receptions, staff rooms, and training spaces. This reinforces a collective mission while still allowing operational autonomy. The trust also uses the language of “family” (referring to schools as “brothers and sisters”) to foster a sense of belonging.

“The rocket ship is everywhere—in school receptions and staff rooms, our central team offices, and our training rooms. It ensures that staff at all levels – and our students and parents – are aligned with our strategy and values.” – Claire Gething, Director of Communications, Windsor Academy Trust