Opportunities on our Horizon

Around 300 educational professionals came together for the second conference held by Prince Regent Street Trust. Staff from the Trust, and from all of its primary schools, were joined by headteachers, teaching and non-teaching staff from schools, as well as colleagues from a range of organisations and partners from across the North East for the ‘Opportunities on our Horizon’ conference at Guisborough Hall on the 22^nd March 2024.

A range of national and internationally renowned speakers informed and entertained delegates across the day. As well as thought-provoking and inspirational keynotes, delegates accessed a selection of workshops on a wide range of current educational, leadership and wellbeing issues. 

’Opportunities on our Horizon’ was opened by Julia Armstrong, CEO of Prince Regent Street Trust, who reminded attendees of the Trust’s vision and values and the wide range of professional development opportunities that all members of staff can access. “At Prince Regent Street Trust, opportunity is one of the core aspects that underpins our vision and values. We invest in every member of staff within our organisation, ensuring they have access to a wide range of networking and targeted professional development opportunities. As we have such a wealth of talent and expertise within our trust, it is paramount that we capitalise on this and ensure it is shared widely across all of our schools.” Julia explained that, “Opportunity is a key area of focus for the Trust. For example, we have developed peer networks and curriculum working parties which bring staff together to share and develop good practice. This year we have also focused on ensuring Trust-wide enriching opportunities for pupils, including our Trust Cup sporting event and our Christmas songwriting workshop.” Julia continued by reinforcing that Prince Regent Street Trust is an outward facing organisation, stating that, “working collaboratively with a range of partners has ensured an opportunity-driven culture where leaders and staff are supported as well as challenged to succeed and to be the best they can be.”  

External speakers included John Tomsett, nationally renowned school leader, educational consultant and author; Adam Sproston, Ofsted Inspector and specialist adviser for SEND, and Jaz Ampaw-Farr, a multi-award winning keynote speaker and three time ‘Speaker of the Year’.  

Workshops delivered by John Tomsett, Julie Liddell from Still Human and Anna Mehta and Sarah Watson from Whole School SEND proved popular with delegates and provided input on a diverse range of current educational matters, including staff and pupil wellbeing, the importance of implementing a curriculum offer that fully meets the needs of pupils in your school, and how we can ensure we are fully meeting the needs of our pupils with SEND.

“We were delighted that our conference had such a positive impact on all of our colleagues. There was a real ‘buzz’ during the event itself, with staff reporting that they had thoroughly enjoyed and had been inspired by the event. Our incredible speakers ensured our colleagues experienced such a wide range of emotions across the day and I know that their experiences today will positively impact when they return to school.” Julia said. “I would like to thank all our speakers and sponsors for their incredible support. Our conference, and its success, would not have been possible without them and we very much hope to build on the positive relationships we have already established with them.”