This year’s conference focused on Thriving through inspiring Teaching with guest speaker Claire Gadsby. Claire offered the schools inspiring ways to lift the teaching in their schools, renew energy and reignite the love of learning for all without adding to workloads. She commented that “. It was a joy to be part of the ODBST family for the day”. The Trusts value of community was evident throughout the days proceedings with collaborative sessions and networking opportunities. ODBST believes that quality relationships and partnerships are a central element of interdependence: all are needed and valued, every person is important.

When the final sessions closed, all attendees gathered together to share in the Trusts Birthday cake. Sulina Piesse, CEO of ODBST commented that the Trust was celebrating “five years of collectively making a difference to the lives of the young people in our schools, through our values of empowerment, inclusivity, community, and service. I am both proud and privileged to be part of such a wonderful organisation and to be working with talented individuals who seek to ensure that all their children and communities are well-served through our stewardship. I look forward to the next milestone in our journey together!”.

Lucy, an ODBST Headteacher said 'Working with the Trust is excellent and I would not now want to work in a school that is not part of the Trust family. I feel fully supported in every aspect of school life. The CPD for staff is effective and the rigorous support in evaluating teaching and learning means we continually grow to be the best that we can be.'

Claire, Chair of Governors at Longwick School “Governors have a great sense of security knowing that the Trust can steer our school in the right direction in many different areas, including school improvement, HR and policies”.