It’s my pleasure to welcome you to Forward Education Trust (FET). I took on my responsibilities on 1st January 2022 with a tremendous amount of pride that I have been asked to lead such a talented and committed staff group in our 7 schools, as we strive to provide a safe and supportive environment for us to care for and educate our children.
I am really pleased that Debbie Bailey became Deputy Chief Executive and Education Director in January 2023. Her experience and knowledge will enable us to harness the talents of our staff as well as engage with external partners, to support the stability of our Trust and schools, as well as any future growth.
Our aim is to create a cohesive team of Trust Central staff supporting school staff teams, working together, fiercely loyal to each other. We are committed to developing local school identity and ethos, to celebrating success and adopting strategies for school improvement that build on and enhance local reputation, raise standards and respond to the needs and aspirations of those we serve – our children and their families.
Our Trust values remain unchanged, but we want to articulate them better and give unequivocal evidence that people can see those values in the decisions we make and the things that we do every single day. We want to empower people to make the right decisions and to be creative in the way that we approach the education and care of our children. Mutual respect must pervade all our relationships and together our staff will learn, practice and collaborate – a sense of team will identify what type of organisation we are and how we nurture our talent, for the benefit of our young people.
At all times, FET will be a safe place for our children, because our staff will know that this is their top priority.
Since I joined FET, I can honestly say that I have never been so excited about the challenges ahead. Whether you are a parent or carer, someone who wants to works for us or with us, or a school looking to join a Trust that can enhance the education your children receive, I would welcome the chance to tell you about the work of Forward Education Trust, so please do get in touch.
Simon Dilkes
Chief Executive Officer