Page 3 - Ad Astra Trust Newsletter 2025

School Improvement Team

As we reach the end of another school year, it’s a moment to pause, reflect and celebrate how far
we’ve come - together.
At the heart of our work across the Trust lies a value that shapes every conversation, every collaboration, and every
success: togetherness.
As a School Improvement Team, we are privileged to work alongside a network of passionate educators, leaders, and
support staff across our schools. This year we’ve seen the incredible impact that comes when we stand shoulder to
shoulder, share our strengths, and learn from one another.
Whether it’s a cross-Trust moderation session, a working party co-writing a Trust-level document or all of the staff from
across the Trust coming together at our annual Festival of Education, the golden thread of togetherness binds us. It
reminds us that no one is alone in striving for excellence. Every child’s success is built on the collective commitment of
many. “Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.” (Ryunosuke Satoro)
Over the course of this year, we’ve seen:
• Pupils collaborating via foods from around the world and engagement in sporting activities
• Teachers opening their classrooms for peer observation and feedback.
• Aspiring Headteachers completing placements in other schools Mrs Durnion
• Friends from across the Trust supporting colleagues in diffi cult moments
These moments may seem small in isolation, but together, they build a culture of trust, shared purpose, and
relentless focus on improvement.
At the heart of our Trust’s success lies the power of collaboration - not just within our family of schools, but
beyond. This year, we have deepened partnerships with research schools, engaged meaningfully with local
authorities, and shared best practice across our networks to ensure our pupils benefi t from the most up-to-date,
evidence-informed teaching approaches. The result is clear – Trust Divided: by sharing our expertise we achieve
more together than any school could alone.
Togetherness isn’t just a value – it’s a strategy. When we connect, collaborate, and celebrate together, we amplify Mr Wiley
our impact.
As we look ahead, we’re excited to continue building bridges between our schools and championing the spirit of
shared growth. Our schools are stronger together – and so are we.
With thanks for your continued partnership,
The School Improvement Team
Pete, Helen and Becca.

Mrs Rathmell

Thank you from our Chair of Trustees

I would like to start by thanking every member of staff in our schools and Central team
for their passion to make a difference to all the children who attend Ad Astra Schools,
all the parents and carers who have supported the schools that their children attend and
of course, all the pupils in our schools who have demonstrated their love of learning in
so many ways.
During this year all the schools in our Trust who were visited by Ofsted were award a ‘Good’ judgement, meaning all the
schools across the Trust are in that level.
Alongside and complementary to this has been the incredible impact of Outdoor Learning, rain or shine, and the joy
that it brings so pupils and teachers. I and the Trustees have seen how all our schools have enhanced our inclusive
approach to the varying needs of children in our schools and together we are determined to continue with this
approach, although it can be challenging at times.
This has been my fi rst year as Chair of Trustees of Ad Astra and it has been a privilege to feel part of a team focussed
on the best outcomes for pupils in our schools. I would like to thank everyone who has helped me in my role and I hope
that next year I can see even more of what you do and are rightly so proud of.
Richenda Broad
Chair of Trustees

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