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Confederation of School Trusts

@cstvoice.bsky.social
931 followers 110 following 740 posts

We are the national organisation and sector body for school trusts in England advocating for, connecting and supporting executive and governance leaders.

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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
In our latest guest blog post FFT's Pete Collison suggests some questions for trustees to ask about exam results - those past and those to come. Read his suggestions: twp.ai/E5FbcP
Trust: The CST blog
Summer 2026 exams: the national picture, and what it means for trustees

Challenge is not criticism. FFT's Pete Collison suggests some questions for trustees to ask about exam results - those past and those to come.
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
In our latest guest blog post, CELT's Dan Morrow says trusts and government should embrace a "constitutional upgrade" to make all trusts cooperative civic trusts. Read why here: twp.ai/E5FfkJ
Trust: The CST blog
The cooperative civic trust: Completing the reform journey
Trusts and government should embrace a "constitutional upgrade" to make all trusts cooperative civic trusts, says CELT’s Dan Morrow.
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
New research looking at nearly two decades of school data shows that schools that become academies improve more than other state-funded schools. CST's new Advancing Education report ranks schools year-by-year against national figures, cutting through changes over time in exams and inspection rules.
New research backs move to all-academy approach for England’s schools

New research looking at nearly two decades of school data has shown that schools that become academies improve more than other state-funded schools.
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Thousands of students are today receiving their A level, T level, and Level 3 VTQ results. Today is the culmination of years of hard work by students, backed by dedicated teachers and support staff – and the start of new chapters. We congratulate you on your achievements.
Today is the culmination of years of hard work by students, backed by dedicated teachers and support staff – and the start of new chapters.
Whether that means work, further study, or a combination of the two, CST congratulates you on your achievements.
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Our new report draws on consultation with CST member trusts and research by safeguarding consultant Jon Le Fevre to explore how trusts engage with local children’s safeguarding partnerships. Read it here: twp.ai/E5EsMV
Bridging the safeguarding gap 
Examining education’s role in local children’s safeguarding partnerships

Our new report explores how school trusts engage with local children’s safeguarding partnerships.
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
We're pleased to welcome Chalkie AI and Widgit Software as recognised suppliers to CST. Explore our recognised suppliers directory: twp.ai/9OY1xY
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
In our latest guest blog post, Ned Younger from the Centre for the Children’s Workforce says we have the chance to build more coherent support for children. twp.ai/E5DJSg
Trust: The CST blog
Ten years to build the children's workforce: the opportunity for trusts
We have the chance to build more coherent support for children, says Ned Younger from the Centre for the Children’s Workforce
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
CST has long advocated for the role of school trusts as civic partners. Our new discussion paper explores what that means in an age of devolution and place-based decision making, working at neighbourhood, local, and regional or system level: twp.ai/E5D7so
The civic trust: Place, devolution, and the next chapter for education
Read our new discussion paper, exploring the role of the school trust in an age of devolution and place-based decision making, working at neighbourhood, local, and regional or system level
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
As we gather for our 2026 CEO Summit, we're publishing a new edition of The partnership dividend. Created with the Reach Foundation it looks at how trusts can be part of civic leadership in place, with practical examples of partnership in action. twp.ai/E5DwuU
Our updated discussion paper, published with the Reach Foundation, explores how school trusts can work in partnership at local, neighbourhood, and regional levels - with practical examples of partnership in action.
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
Blanket talk about 'work-life balance' misses the complexity of being a good employer says Ted Wragg Trust's Lisa Thomas, in our latest guest blog post. We need approaches that understand and adapt to individual needs. twp.ai/E5Dwth
Blanket talk about 'work-life balance' misses the complexity of being a good employer says Ted Wragg Trust's Lisa Thomas. We need approaches that understand and adapt to individual needs.
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Advance tickets are now available for CST’s 2026-2027 community conferences and summits. Rooted in our professional communities, these events bring trust leaders together to share practice, build connection and explore key questions. Secure your place: twp.ai/9OYm6F
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Join us tomorrow for our next CST member engagement meeting to hear from Sir Chris Whitty, Chief Medical Officer, and take part in a wider discussion on the political and policy outlook for school trusts. CST members can register for this session on MyCST.
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
With falling primary pupil numbers, trusts are being encouraged to look at repurposing buildings as school-based nurseries. But in our latest guest blog post Ark's Katie Oliver says that risks getting things the wrong way round. Find out why here: twp.ai/E5CNBK
Trust: The CST blog
Beyond empty classrooms: why school-based nurseries need more than buildings
With falling primary pupil numbers, trusts are being encouraged to look at repurposing buildings as school-based nurseries. But Ark's Katie Oliver says that risks getting things the wrong way round.
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
CST Platinum Partner Stone King is working with the Centre for Charity Effectiveness at Bayes Business School on a survey exploring governance under pressure. Find out more and take part: twp.ai/9OWmM0
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
1) Thank you to all delegates, speakers, supporters and exhibitors who joined us in Birmingham for CST’s Data and Digital Transformation Conference 2026.
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Our closing keynote from Daniel Emerson, Good Future Foundation, examines the organisational conditions required to build enduring capability, align culture with technology and make disciplined strategic choices in uncertain conditions. #CSTData
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Workshop series three focuses on digital practice at scale. Sessions are exploring workflow design, organisational capability and the careful use of AI agents in trust operations. #CSTData
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Workshop series two turns to the digital foundations that enable confident practice across trusts. Sessions are exploring connected systems, data capacity, procurement, data protection and supplier assurance. #CSTData
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Workshop series one is now underway. Delegates are choosing from sessions on leading transformation within constraints, building data capability, and piloting and implementing AI tools across trusts. #CSTData
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
If you're attending the conference today, don't forget to visit the exhibition to connect with leading providers supporting the school trust sector. Take the opportunity to explore new ideas, ask questions and continue the conversation with our exhibitors. #CSTData
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Delegates are now reflecting on the morning’s keynote sessions through table discussions. #CSTData
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Katherine Moulds is now sharing the Department for Education’s vision for AI, data and digital in schools. #CSTData
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
In our first keynote, Dr Madiha Khan (Educate Ventures Research), explores AI, judgement and decision-making in education. Her session considers how leaders can evaluate choices, set boundaries and make proportionate decisions in uncertain conditions. #CSTData
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Lauren Thorpe, United Learning, welcomes delegates to today’s conference, grounded in the Data and digital transformation professional community principles: - Laying strong foundations - Building digital capability and capacity. - Being curious but cautious #CSTData
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
Today we are in Birmingham for CST’s Data and Digital Transformation Conference. Delegates will explore this year’s theme, Principles to practice: Navigating a changing landscape. #CSTData
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
We are pleased to welcome our newest recognised suppliers to CST. Our recognised suppliers directory features organisations with a proven history of working with school trusts. RISO: twp.ai/IlsIiD Learning by Questions: twp.ai/9OXoK5
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
At CST, we know that great education depends on the people working every day in schools and trusts. On National Thank a Teacher Day, we recognise the teachers and school staff whose expertise and commitment support children and young people to thrive.
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Join us tomorrow to hear from Lee Elliot Major OBE FAcSS, Professor of Social Mobility at University of Exeter. He will share his research, the principles of equity, and the relationship to persistent attainment gaps. CST members can register for this session on MyCST.
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
Lauren Thorpe, Chief Transformation Officer at United Learning, reflects on why digital, AI and data leadership are becoming central to trust leadership. Read our latest blog: twp.ai/9OXoHz This is a key conversation that will be explored at #CSTData this Thursday.
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
(1) In our most recent blog, Open Education AI’s Amy McJennett explores how Inspiration Trust is using predictive attendance data to support earlier intervention and protect learning. Read more: twp.ai/9OXcBM
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Applications close next week on Monday 15 June at 09:00 for our Head of Programming role. To find out more and apply, visit our website: twp.ai/E5BGHZ
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
CST has published Governance at scale, new draft guidance for consultation with Trust Governance Professionals. The paper explores why governance must change at scale, how good design can mitigate risk, and what this looks like in practice. Read now:https://twp.ai/9OXOFw
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
(1) Thank you to all delegates, speakers, sponsors and exhibitors who joined us in Birmingham for CST Governance Conference 2026. Today’s discussions have explored what it means to design governance that strengthens decision making, stewardship and trust across our sector.
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Samira Sadeghi is joined by Shuab Gamote, Researcher and Advisor, to explore what meaningful listening requires, and how trusts can respond to young people’s voices with honesty and purpose. #CSTGovernance
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Sunita Yardley-Patel, Head of Governance at Ormiston Academies Trust, is leading a practical reflection session. Delegates are turning today’s insights into clear next steps they can take back to their trusts. #CSTGovernance
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
This afternoon’s workshops are exploring the practicalities of governance at scale, the implications of SEND reform, and how trusts can build stronger relationships with families by moving from complaints to constructive conversations. #CSTGovernance
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Our keynote panel on governance at scale brings together Samira Sadeghi, Dr Lizzie Oliver from Trust Governance Professionals, and Sarah Lay ACG from The Co-operative Academies Trust. They are exploring how governance needs to evolve as trusts grow. #CSTGovernance
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Workshop series one is underway, with delegates exploring how governance professionals can respond to the opportunities and risks of AI, approach trust growth and mergers with purpose, and use technology to strengthen governance and decision making. #CSTGovernance
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
If you're attending the conference today, don't forget to visit the exhibition to connect with leading providers supporting the school trust sector. Take the opportunity to explore new ideas, ask questions and continue the conversation with our exhibitors. #CSTGovernance
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Our opening keynote panel brings together Samira Sadeghi, Erika Eliasson-Norris and Dr Valentina Dotto from the Chartered Governance Institute. They are exploring shared board pressures and how to make governance more sustainable in practice. #CSTGovernance
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Erika Eliasson-Norris, Governance Strategist, Author and CEO at Beyond Governance, is examining why governance matters more than ever, and how it can shape culture, enable leadership and add strategic value. #CSTGovernance
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
Samira Sadeghi, Director of Trust Governance at CST, opened the conference by setting out how trusts can move from static compliance towards dynamic stewardship. How can boards create the conditions for high-quality decision making? #CSTGovernance
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
CST Governance Conference 2026 is underway in Birmingham. Thank you to pupils from Moor Green Primary Academy, part of REAch2 Academy Trust, for opening the conference with a brilliant performance. #CSTGovernance
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Volunteers play an important role across education, from strengthening governance to supporting schools and trusts in their communities. This Volunteers’ Week, we want to thank everyone who gives their time, insight and commitment to the sector.
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
Join us tomorrow (Wednesday 3 June, 09:00–10:00) for our member engagement meeting on the Post-16 Pathways Implementation Plan for technical and vocational qualifications. CST members can register for this session on MyCST.
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
Great governance does not happen by chance. Our Chairing a school trust board programme supports chairs to develop the skills, confidence and strategic insight needed to lead trust governance from good to great. Find out more: twp.ai/E5BApU
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
In a new guest blog post Pioneer Educational Trust's Antonia Spinks says simple recruitment steps can help increase diversity and ensure trusts get the best talent. Read it here: twp.ai/E5B1gp
In a new guest blog Pioneer Educational Trust's Antonia Spinks says simple recruitment steps can help increase diversity and ensure trusts get the best talent.
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
Join Together Learning Trust's Triestina Bozzo and Lloyds' Ian Browne to explore approaches to careers education in this free member webinar. We'll look at building provision across year groups and creating sustained employer-school partnerships. More: twp.ai/E5B1Zf
Careers, curriculum, and the honest experiment: How careers education is changing and ideas for how trusts can meet the challenge
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
In a new guest blog post ahead of the CST Data and Digital Transformation Conference, the Good Future Foundation's Daniel Emmerson says trusts needs to get to grips with the new generation of AI tools Read the post: twp.ai/S9BZHW Explore the conference on 18 June: twp.ai/NSWK5S
In a new guest blog post ahead of the CST Data and Digital Transformation Conference, Daniel Emmerson says trusts needs to get to grips with the  new generation of AI tools
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Confederation of School Trusts @cstvoice.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
CST has published a new discussion paper with Edurio: Leading through listening. It explores why organisational listening means treating pupils, staff and parents as legitimate partners in shaping the school community. Read now: twp.ai/9OWHAN
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