Structured knowledge-sharing networks across schools

LEO Academy Trust established network learning communities where staff from different schools collaborate based on roles and expertise. These networks include subject leaders, SENDCOs, office managers, and mental health first aiders, ensuring expertise is shared across the trust. Facilitators receive shared training to ensure consistency while allowing for local adaptation.

“Beyond traditional leadership meetings, we’ve significantly expanded our network learning communities over the past few years. These communities focus on ‘Learning, Excellence, and Opportunity,’ connecting their specific expertise to our Trust’s core vision. Initially, we established these communities for different subject areas, with a central leader training facilitators and providing a shared framework for each subject. Now, these communities have grown beyond academic subjects and encompass various roles such as office managers, first aiders, mental health first aiders, and SENDCOs.” – Alison Day, Executive Director of Growth and Development, LEO Academy Trust

Trust-wide professional learning communities

Windsor Academy Trust developed professional learning communities (PLCs) where staff meet regularly to discuss best practices, challenges, and strategies for school improvement. These PLCs span multiple areas, including curriculum leadership, sustainability, and civic engagement, ensuring collaboration reaches all staff levels.

“Collaboration isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a lived value. These professional learning communities allow staff to connect, innovate, and find solutions collectively.” – Claire Gething, Director of Communications, Windsor Academy Trust

Leveraging digital platforms for resource sharing

Rose Learning Trust uses SharePoint as a centralised hub where staff can access and upload resources, collaborate on projects, and streamline communication. The platform ensures best practices are easily accessible while reducing reliance on lengthy email chains.

“SharePoint has become a hub for sharing best practices and celebrating successes. We’ve worked hard to think clearly about communication pathways so that people don’t lose faith in the system.” – Jeremy Harris, CEO, Rose Learning Trust​

Creating informal spaces for organic collaboration

Infinity Academies Trust balances structured meetings with informal networking opportunities. Trust events include deliberate free time for casual conversations, recognising that many impactful collaborations happen organically outside of formal sessions.

“It’s the water cooler stuff that builds relationships… we provide nearly as much free time in events as scheduled content.” – Gavin Booth, CEO, Infinity Academies Trust

Sharing expertise across phases and subjects

The Pinnacle Learning Trust fosters collaboration across different educational phases and subject areas, ensuring that expertise is shared strategically. Teachers and leaders collaborate on curriculum development, professional learning, and subject-specific knowledge exchange. For example, the trust’s sixth form science department provided support to secondary school science teachers when the GCSE curriculum changed, ensuring a seamless transition and upskilling of staff.

“For example, colleagues from the science department at the sixth form college provided some professional development support for the secondary school science department at the point at which the curriculum changed and some of the AS level content went into the GCSE specifications.” – Jayne Clarke, Chief Executive Officer, The Pinnacle Learning Trust​Thriving Trust Community.