Meridian Trust has achieved significant milestones throughout the 2023/24 academic year, supporting both staff and students to help pave the way for future priorities.
Meridian Trust has made substantial progress in various areas over the past year. In terms of staff development, we launched ‘Meridian Learning,’ a comprehensive platform offering live seminars, face-to-face training, and over 120 online tutorials. To nurture future leaders, we introduced ‘Ready to Lead Meridian,’ a program designed to prepare individuals for headship. Additionally, we implemented ‘Meridian Career Pathways’ to support families through education and school transitions.
For teacher development, we successfully renewed the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Teaching School Hub (CPTSH) for four years, ensuring continued access to high-quality professional development opportunities. This initiative has enabled us to both support existing teachers and nurture the next generation of educators.
In terms of operational improvements, we implemented four new systems, including iTrent an HR programme, a new management information system, a safety system, and a finance and budgeting system. These systems have streamlined our processes and enhanced efficiency across the Trust.
We were proud to have opened The Link, a 40-place specialist provision at the Martin Bacon Academy, offering mainstream education at Swavesy alongside specialist provision such as hydrotherapy sessions. In addition to our SEND provisions, our bid to open a 60 place SEMH at Greensand Academy for 11 – 16 years old was successful.
Sustainability is a key focus for Meridian Trust. We launched a project to install solar panels on all 30 schools by 2026 and become carbon net zero by 2030. The first phase will see seven schools have solar panels installed, generating 900,000kWh of energy and saving over £300,000 per annum, reducing our environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Several building projects have taken place across the Trust, including catering facilities and an activity studio at Lincroft, and refurbishment of an older building for the Bishop Laney Sixth form within Ely College. At North Cambridge Academy work commenced on the £2.9 million extension for new teaching and administration areas whilst two new 4G sports pitches begun at Sawtry and Stratton.
Meridian Trust is also committed to providing valuable learning experiences outside the classroom. The schools of the Trust have been collectively working towards Learning Outside the Classroom marks (LOtC), such as arts festival, residential trips and theatre. The LOtC mark highlights the Trusts focus on developing and delivering valuable learning experiences outside of the classroom.
Our dedication to providing a high-quality education has been recognised by Ofsted. Three of our schools received ‘Outstanding’ judgements, which we are incredibly proud of and reflects our commitment to the Pursuit of Excellence.
Meridian Trust is immensely grateful for the hard work and dedication of its staff and students. These achievements demonstrate our commitment to providing exceptional education and enriching learning environment.