Launch of new Trust strategy
Inspiring Excellence, Empowering Futures - Chief Executive sets out a bold and ambitious vision to 2030 with new Strategic Plan
A commitment to being “brave, bold, and ambitious” lies at the heart of Great Learners Trust (GLT) multi-academy trust’s newly-published vision for primary education across Aylesbury, High Wycombe, and other parts of Buckinghamshire.
Established in 2014, GLT now supports 3,000 children across 11 primary schools. Driven by a mission “to inspire and empower all to achieve their full potential and thrive in an ever-changing, dynamic world”, the Trust has launched its strategic vision for the next five years.
In the Great Learners Trust Strategy 2025-2030, the Trust pledges to face sector-wide “challenges head-on, to innovate, and to set our sights high for every member of our community”. The strategy outlines how GLT is “building something bigger than any one school” – a collaborative network that “works together to ensure every child the chance to thrive”. It also recognises that “sustainable improvement does not happen by chance” and “requires a deliberate, trust-wide improvement plan” in order to drive deep, lasting change and improvement across all GLT schools.
The five-year plan is built on core operational priorities that will “form the bedrock of a successful Trust”; alongside strategic differentiators “that will set us apart and define what it means to be a GLT schools”.
“Non-negotiable priorities” are:
- Strong Leadership
- Inclusive Achievement
- Ready, Respectful and Safe Learners
- Engaged Communities
Together, these ensure that every school within the Trust is a safe, nurturing, and high-achieving environment.
Building on the Trust’s established framework, ‘What Makes an Awesome GLT School Awesome’, the Trust introduces three strategic goals that will “differentiate GLT and drive our ambition for every school and community we serve”.
These are:
- Innovate to Inspire Happy Learners
- Our People, Our Power
- One Trust, Stronger Together
Each goal is supported by detailed commitments outlined in the full 2025-2030 Strategy document.
Sarah Baber, CEO of Great Learners Trust, explained: “Since our formation in 2014, Great Learners Trust has grown and evolved, establishing a foundation for collaboration and shared learning. We are now entering a new phase – one that builds on our experience and focuses on driving improvement, excellence, and equity across all our schools.
“We are fortunate to have such a dedicated team of educators, administrators and support staff who work tirelessly to create a learning environment which encourages curiosity, critical thinking and a lifetime love of learning. We believe in the power of collaboration and community and, by working together, aim to give our children the skills and confidence they need to change the world.
“Our vision is to ultimately build a Trust known for educational excellence, transforming children’s lives. We will create a vibrant community that inspires everyone to achieve their full potential and empowers all to manage their future with confidence and purpose. Together, we will build on our successes, rapidly overcome challenges and ensure that every child receives the very best learning opportunities, every day.
“While every school in the Trust will be on its own unique improvement journey, we will remember that incremental improvements lead to significant changes over time. By consistently focusing on small, meaningful steps forward, we will empower each school to achieve sustained progress and collectively drive the Trust towards its long-term vision.
“This strategy will address the complex challenges facing primary education today. It will ensure that our Trust is built on robust foundations, while our strategic goals drive innovation, empower our people, and maximise the collective strength of our community – defining what makes a Great Learners Trust school truly awesome. I am excited about the future.”
Nick Phillips, Chair of Trustees, added: “Great Learners Trust is dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous improvement across all our schools, and the Trust as a whole, with a focus on meeting the needs of our pupils and the communities we serve.
“Our supportive partnership model encourages collaboration, innovation, and growth. Through highly effective central services – spanning leadership, education, operations, and finance – we enable school leaders and staff to focus on what matters most: helping children realise their full potential.
“As our strategy states, we will not deterred by a challenging external environment. GLT’s commitment to excellent teaching, innovation and holistic development drives us to want to create outstanding educational experiences that foster academic achievement, personal growth, and social responsibility. Pupils will leave our schools as confident, capable, and compassionate individuals, ready to face future challenges and contribute meaningfully to the world.”