Brooke Weston Trust (BWT) is taking important steps to create a more inclusive educational environment by partnering with The Difference, an organisation focused on improving outcomes for vulnerable children. We explain how this initiative is strengthening the Trust’s commitment to inclusive practices and its core value of ‘Ambition For All’…

 

As part of BWT's strategic priorities over the next three years, SEND and inclusion have been identified as key focus areas, recently highlighted as a priority by the government as well. This whole-trust approach involves every single employee across BWT, emphasising the importance of cultural and organisational development in creating an inclusive environment.

Jennie Giovanelli, the principal of Kettering Science Academy (KSA), is perfectly positioned to lead this initiative for BWT. Her passion and experience in this area make her an ideal choice and she will be working closely with Andy Burns, Director of Education, and Carrie Norman, Director of Primaries, to embed the approach across the Trust.

The Difference Inclusive Leadership Course

At the centre of this partnership is The Difference's Inclusive Leadership Course (ILC), a programme that has made a significant impact in over 650 schools across the UK. The course provides senior leaders with practical tools and strategies to create more inclusive school environments, reduce exclusions, and improve overall student outcomes. Every BWT school Principal is on the ILC course, with a second member of staff participating in most schools, although KSA is the only designated Difference Partner School.

Kiran Gill, CEO & Founder of The Difference, shared her excitement about the partnership:

"The Difference is delighted to be working with Brooke Weston Trust as our flagship trust-wide cohort of the Inclusive Leadership Course. The course, which has an alumni of over 650 senior leaders, has been credited as creating real impact in the vast majority of schools and academies we have worked with. Impact to date has included reducing exclusion, improving whole school capacity to de-escalate behaviour incidents, integrating and demystifying relational practices, improving attendance and much more."

Kettering Science Academy: A Difference Partner School

Among the 12 schools selected to be Difference Partner Schools, KSA stands out as a prime example of BWT's commitment to inclusive education. As school principal, Jennie Giovanelli is actively involved in this initiative, sharing insights and experiences at two education panels during the Festival of Education at Wellington College earlier in the year.

Jennie emphasised the approach taken at KSA:

“Our work is rooted in the understanding that connection and belonging are fundamental human needs. We’ve equipped all staff, regardless of role, to adopt an asset-based approach that emphasises strengths rather than deficits when working with children and families. By using empathetic communication and prioritising connection before correction, we ensure every interaction reinforces trust, inclusion, and a shared sense of community.”

Her participation as a graduate of the ILC shows how the course has influenced school leadership and practices. Jennie's engagement in these discussions highlights KSA's innovative approaches to inclusion within the broader educational community, reinforcing BWT's mission to contribute to society by preparing students for their roles as engaged citizens.

Impact and Future Directions

The partnership between BWT and The Difference is expected to bring about significant benefits in reducing exclusions, improving de-escalation strategies, enhancing relational practices, and increasing attendance rates.

Jennie explained how success is measured:

“The Difference programme has encouraged us to look beyond headline figures like attendance and exclusion rates and focus on the less visible aspects of school life. At KSA, this means paying close attention to everyday interactions that shape a student’s sense of belonging, such as participation in school events, the use of time-out passes, and even small moments like stepping outside the classroom. These smaller interactions give us a deeper understanding of how students experience school. By making them visible through the Inclusive Leadership Framework, we can intervene early, building a culture where students feel supported before challenges escalate.”

A key feature of the ILC is its emphasis on sustainability. Rather than depending on expensive or temporary interventions, schools like KSA are adopting strategies that maximise existing resources.

“Our approach is about equipping staff with the training and tools they need to embed inclusive practices into everyday operations,” Jennie explains. “By making inclusion a natural and integral part of what we do, we create a model that is not only effective but also enduring, ensuring long-term benefits for every student.”

Looking Ahead

As BWT continues this journey with The Difference, it is set to become a key voice in ongoing research and development of effective inclusive practices in education. The insights gained from this partnership will not only benefit BWT schools, but also contribute to the wider conversation about inclusion in education across the UK.

For those interested in getting involved with The Difference's work, the charity’s national conference, “IncludEd”, returns on Saturday 11th January 2025. The event is an opportunity for educators and leaders to deepen their understanding of inclusive practices and contribute to the ongoing dialogue on creating more equitable educational environments.

Earlybird tickets available here: IncludEd Conference 2025 Tickets, Sat 11 Jan 2025 at 10:00 | Eventbrite

By prioritising inclusion, BWT is enhancing educational outcomes for all while nurturing a sense of belonging among its students—an essential aspect of ‘Ambition for All’.

Jennie concluded: "Inclusion isn’t just a policy; it’s a way of being that ensures every child is seen, heard, and understood for who they are - because every child does well if they can."