What have been the benefits of being part of the Trust?

Pauline: “Joining Brooke Weston Trust has brought numerous benefits to the school, including the opportunity to collaborate with the other schools and more comprehensive support for staff at all levels. Our staff also now have access to excellent training programmes and valuable tools like PiXL and Read Write Inc.
 

Rhianna: “For me, the biggest advantage has been connecting with the other primary schools across the Trust. It has been far less isolating as a teacher, being able to draw on their knowledge and experience and have reassurances when issues arise.

For the children, it has provided them with exciting opportunities to participate in Trust-wide activities, such as inter-school events like the Olympics and football tournaments, enriching their educational experience.”

 

How have you collaborated with other schools so far?

Pauline: “Since joining the Trust, the school has benefitted from collaborative planning, moderation, and training opportunities for teaching staff. Regular network meetings have also provided valuable support, enabling us to exchange ideas and best practices.”
 

Rhianna: “Our subject leads from the school have been able to meet with their counterparts from across the Trust. This has had a positive impact on our curriculum and in enhancing our offering.

The most rewarding part is seeing how this teamwork has positively influenced wellbeing throughout the school. Teachers are exchanging ideas and feeling more supported, which creates a more vibrant atmosphere for everyone.”

 

What helped with your transition into the Trust?

Pauline: “Our transition has been really well supported by the Trust’s Senior Leadership team. Any changes that have been needed have been implemented gradually, building on the strong foundations already in place at Thrapston. Andrew Campbell’s personal visit to speak with staff about the Trust family has also strengthened our sense of community and support.”

 

What has been a highlight for you in terms of your own personal development?

Rhianna: “The CPD opportunities available, especially the social media training I attended at the Trust’s Centre for Professional Development centre, have been invaluable. Participating in training sessions and Academy Information Board (AIB) days has clarified my role and has helped me focus on how I can contribute to the school’s progress.”

Thank you, Pauline and Rhianna!
 

Andrew Campbell, Chief Executive Officer at Brooke Weston Trust, wanted to mark the occasion:

“What a difference a year makes! Colleagues from our central and primary teams have worked closely with Pauline and her staff to deliver investments in Thrapston's infrastructure and physical environment. They have also shared and co-created curriculum resources whilst developing effective classroom practice together. Finally, and by no means least, it's been great to see staff from TPS taking advantage of the excellent professional training offer that is now on offer across the Trust.

Prior to Thrapston Primary joining us as part of the Brooke Weston family, it was evident that the school shared our determination to be ambitious for every child and for its staff. The first year has, beyond doubt, been a successful one and TPS is truly part of the family – definitely a sibling now and not a distant cousin!”
 

Others from across the school also wanted to share their thoughts:

"It has been wonderful to have regular scheduled meetings with other Early Years practitioners in the Trust. By meeting to review and refine the curriculum, we can share our experiences and discuss ideas. This has helped me build expertise and confidence in my pedagogy." -Joanne Hudson, School Nursery Teacher at Thrapston Primary School

"The inter-schools BWT Olympics was enormous fun and showcased great team building and camaraderie. There was so much interschool support - it left you with a strong feel-good factor!" -Juliana Siwiak-Denney, Year 6 Teacher at Thrapston Primary School

“We have enjoyed meeting other colleagues from the Trust on training sessions and everyone has been very welcoming and supportive. We are both enjoying being part of something bigger where we can share good practice and seek advice or support.” -Claire Golding, Pastoral Care Team at Thrapston Primary School

“Within the Safeguarding team, we feel very supported by Lucy Warn and James Down; knowing they are always at the end of the phone has been so reassuring and helpful.” -Miss Julie Gothard, Pastoral Care Team
 

With a strong foundation and a commitment to collaboration and innovation, we are excited to see Thrapston’s continued growth within the Trust. We look forward to supporting their achievements and witnessing the ongoing positive impact this has on their school community and the environment they are creating where every child can thrive.