With more than 50 colleagues attending from our schools and central team, the conference provided a valuable opportunity to pause and reflect on our achievements, share ideas and focus on the priorities that will continue to drive excellence across our Trust.

The day was opened by our CEO, Rachel Wilkes, who warmly welcomed attendees and reflected on our Trust's guiding principles, the foundation of everything we do. These principles shape our decisions, our culture and most importantly, our commitment to ensuring every child, family and colleague feels valued, supported and empowered to succeed.

Throughout the day, colleagues engaged in a wide range of discussions and sessions including:

• Reflections on the year and future strategic plans
• Sector updates and emerging developments in education
• Inclusion by design
• Attendance and pupil engagement
• Quality first teaching
• Enrichment opportunities for pupils
• The launch of our new internal communications platform

As we reflected on an incredibly successful 2025-26 academic year, there was much to celebrate. Across the Trust, colleagues have worked tirelessly to provide the very best educational experiences for our pupils. Whilst we are proud that our achievement and progress outcomes are our strongest ever and remain above national measures, we know that impact is about so much more than data alone.

For us, the true measure of success is thriving schools filled with happy pupils, supported by dedicated and fulfilled staff. We believe that a strong sense of belonging is at the heart of every successful school community. By championing our children and families, believing in their potential and working together every day, we create the conditions for everyone to flourish.

A particular highlight of the year has been the strength of collaboration across the Trust. During 2025-26, colleagues participated in 136 Communities of Practice meetings, bringing together staff from across our schools and central team to share expertise, tackle challenges and learn from one another. These opportunities for collaboration are central to our vision and ensure that effective practice, innovative ideas and collective expertise continue to benefit pupils across our family of schools.

The conference also provided an opportunity to look ahead with optimism and ambition. By sharing successes, discussing challenges and exploring future priorities together, colleagues reaffirmed our collective commitment to continuous improvement and delivering the very best outcomes for the communities we serve.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to all colleagues who took time away from their busy school roles to attend and engage so positively throughout the day. We would also like to thank the team involved in planning and delivering the conference, as well as the staff at MKM Stadium for their excellent hospitality.

As we begin a new academic year, we do so with a strong sense of purpose, confidence and optimism. Together, we look forward to building on our successes, continuing to learn from one another and ensuring that every child, colleague and community within Humber Education Trust can thrive.