A Culture of Flourishing Together

At Canonium Learning Trust we are proud of the strong relationships we build that underpin a culture where all schools and individuals, no matter their background or denomination, are able to flourish together. It is for this reason that we describe ourselves as a family of schools, working together to achieve our shared purpose - to give every child the very best education possible.

Our Purpose and Principles have been carefully chosen to enable our schools to retain their individuality, vision and values. For our church schools, this includes their distinctively Christian character. Through our commitment to delivering the very best education possible, we are confident that we are embracing Jesus’ promise of 'life in all its fullness'. As we work to give every child the very best education possible we choose to prioritise the spiritual, physical, intellectual, emotional, moral and social development of all.

In our Canonium family spirituality is encouraged. This is demonstrated through our continuous commitment to reflective practice and ways of working that enable every child and adult to express their views, questions, opinions and thoughts.

The culture of our Trust is evident in the look and feel of all of our schools. It is difficult to codify but as a guide, we understand that our ability to live our Purpose and Principles is underpinned by a culture of flourishing together. This unites our people with a shared belief about the identity, meaning and mission of Canonium Learning Trust. As a strong trust, we have a deep sense of collective purpose and prioritise the following: 

1. High quality, inclusive education: we create  a culture that is motivating and ambitious for all, especially disadvantaged children, and children with SEND, so that all pupils can achieve their potential.

2. Expert, ethical leadership: Our leaders  create a culture of expert, ethical leadership based on the Seven Principles of Public Life. They create a culture of one organisation, built around the trust’s purpose and principles. 

3. Strategic governance: We anchor our  strategy in the needs of our schools, the communities we  serve and the wider educational system in line with our  purpose.

4. School development at scale: A strong conception of quality and culture of continuous improvement is pervasive across all our  schools in Canonium Learning Trust

5. Workforce resilience and wellbeing: We create a positive working culture for all staff that promotes collaboration, aspiration, and support.

6. Finance and operations: Everyone in the organisation recognises the importance of effective and efficient use of resources for the wider benefit of all pupils.

7. Public benefit and civic duty: Part of the culture of our  trust is to work beyond our own organisation with other trust leaders and civic actors for the wider common good. 

CST Position Paper: Building Strong Trusts. April 2023.