To mark the beginning of a new school year, I wanted to extend a warm welcome to every member of the Unity Schools Partnership community – from teachers to support staff, all our families and the amazing communities that we are proud to represent. Together, you make our trust a special place where aspiration flourishes and children thrive.

We begin this term with a significant change with our outgoing Chief Executive, Tim Coulson, embarking on a new journey within the Department for Education.

Tim’s passion for ensuring every child receives the best possible education remains as strong as ever, and this opportunity allows him to continue his vital campaign on that broader stage.

Alongside our gratitude and admiration, we celebrate his achievement and the legacy he leaves behind.

I have the privilege of stepping in as Interim CEO during this period of transition while our Trust Board searches for a permanent successor.

In what has been, as always, a busy start to the new school year, we welcome new staff members, new leaders and our first ever brand new primary school – Silfield Primary Academy in Wymondham – alongside the new Unity Stars nursery in Norton Road, Haverhill.

We look forward to working with everyone who has just joined our Trust. They will all bring dedication and commitment as we continue our aim of making remarkable change happen.

We are proud to offer an environment that encourages school identity and independence while also providing the right support as part of a wider organisation.

This is not just a time of change, it’s a time for renewal. I would like us to breathe some fresh air into our core values of integrity, inclusion and kindness.

These are not just mere words from me, they are the foundation of everything we do.
To each and every member of our Unity family, my commitment is to provide stability and encouragement as we move forward together and to ensure our trust remains the beacon of excellence and inclusion.

As educators and carers, we are entrusted with nurturing young minds and building strong communities.

In the months ahead, we will navigate numerous changes and we will face new challenges. This is not only in leadership, but in adapting to updates in the Ofsted framework and managing tight budgets, to name just two.

Yet in these moments, I’m confident in our collective strength. We will value every individual’s voice and experience by creating a space where everyone feels welcomed, respected and empowered.

I wish all our schools, staff and communities a successful and fulfilling year ahead.