Partnership
At the Sapientia Education Trust we work in partnership with the wider education community because we believe every child deserves the best chances we can create together. Our role as a trust goes beyond our own schools. We believe we are part of a broader community that shares responsibility for improving outcomes for all young people.
We collaborate openly, share what we’ve learned and learn from others in return. By working side by side with schools, colleges, and local partners, we aim to strengthen the system around us and play our part in supporting the progress and wellbeing of children in our region.
How We Collaborate
Professional Development Networks across the Trust
We facilitate trust-wide networks in core subjects as well as role-specific areas such as SEND, Teaching & Learning, Pastoral Support and Business Admin. These networks allow staff to connect with peers across the Trust to share resources, best practice and pedagogical insights.
These networks operate in both primary and secondary settings and meet regularly throughout the year online and in person at the Trust Collaboration Day.
Professional networks open to schools across Norfolk
We host trust‑wide networks in areas such as SEND, curriculum standards & moderation, DSL, and teaching assistants, and make places available to other schools in the county.
The team also support beyond the wider education system through being members of both Norfolk and Suffolk Schools Forum, supporting the Norfolk CFOs network, and supporting other trusts with financial advise and supporting including on deployment of new finance systems.
Co‑developed primary curriculum with shared practice across schools
Our primary schools use a shared curriculum framework co‑developed by headteachers and the central team, with space for schools to adapt it locally. Staff meet regularly across schools for best‑practice visits and joint professional development.
Workforce development partnerships
We work with Best Practice Network to provide access to education‑based apprenticeships and professional development routes, including Early Years, TA pathways, specialist TA roles and teacher apprenticeships https://www.bestpracticenet.co.uk/Sapientia-Education-Trust
Contribution to regional school‑improvement work
Jonathan Taylor, SET CEO, is part of the Department for Education’s RISE advisory team, working with schools in the region that require additional support.
Participation in external quality and collaboration networks
Schools within the trust engage with the World Class Schools network, taking part in shared projects, peer review and cross‑school collaboration.
Structured parent‑carer involvement in decision‑making
Each school uses Parent Focus Groups/Parent Councils as a standing mechanism for consultation and two‑way communication between families and school leadership.
Partnership work with schools joining the Trust
When schools join SET, leaders work together on areas such as curriculum development, culture and school organisation — for example, the restructure and relaunch at Beccles High School following its transition into the trust.
Cross‑phase collaboration between primary, secondary and boarding settings
Colleagues across phases take part in shared professional networks and joint training, supporting collaboration between varied school contexts.
Collaboration across local education settings
Our trust model brings together schools across Norfolk and Suffolk to work in partnership and share approaches.
