Our Whole Staff Inset Day at the Bridgewater Hall

On Tuesday 2nd September 2025, we hosted our annual Whole Trust INSET Day at Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall, bringing together more than 700 staff members from across our schools.

Pupil Presentations Showcase Oracy

One of the most moving moments of the day was seeing our pupils take to the stage — and what a stage it was! Performing their own written work, bringing to life Oracy — one of our Trust’s key foci — they captivated the audience with confidence and creativity. To perform on a stage of this scale was a huge moment for them, and they absolutely rose to the occasion. We are so proud!

Keynote Address from Baroness Floella Benjamin

We were honoured to welcome Baroness Floella Benjamin as our guest speaker. Her powerful message on resilience and hope resonated deeply with every member of our team — a truly unforgettable moment.

CEO Address and Afternoon Activities

Our CEO Karen Burns addressed the audience with a clear message about the year ahead, outlining strategic priorities and celebrating recent achievements. The afternoon also included interactive sessions such as Reverse Bingo and inspired by this year’s Glastonbury Assembly Bangers, our CEO Karen Burns fabulously led the way, joined by our schools’ SLT on stage. The energy was electric — staff were on their feet, singing hymns with full-hearted enthusiasm and joy. It was a moment of pure connection, celebration and fun. 📹 Check out the video below to relive the magic!

Looking Ahead

The Whole Trust INSET Day provided a valuable opportunity to align on shared goals and reflect on the work ahead. With a renewed sense of focus, staff across the Trust are well-positioned to continue delivering high-quality education and support for pupils in the new academic year.