At the Girls’ Learning Trust, we believe that investing in our people is fundamental to providing an exceptional education for our students. We are committed to creating a positive working environment where colleagues feel valued, supported and empowered to develop their knowledge, skills and careers.

Being part of a multi-academy trust creates opportunities for professional learning and collaboration that extend beyond individual schools. By bringing together colleagues from different schools, roles and professional backgrounds, we can share expertise, develop new approaches and learn from one another.

Our approach recognises that every colleague has different experiences, ambitions and development needs. We aim to provide meaningful opportunities for all staff, whether they are beginning their careers, developing their expertise or preparing for future leadership responsibilities.

Professional Development for Everyone

Each school provides professional development tailored to its educational priorities and the needs of its staff. This is complemented by Trust-wide opportunities, enabling colleagues to benefit from the expertise and experience available across the GLT.

Our approach includes:

• School-based professional development: Training, coaching, mentoring and collaborative learning focused on individual development needs and school priorities.
• Trust-wide learning: Shared training, conferences and professional networks that bring together colleagues from across our schools and shared professional services.
• Professional qualifications: Opportunities to pursue relevant qualifications and accredited development programmes, including leadership qualifications where appropriate.
• Career development: Supporting colleagues to develop their expertise, explore new responsibilities and prepare for future career opportunities.

We recognise that professional development should be relevant, accessible and purposeful, supporting both individual career aspirations and the continued development of our schools.

Our All Staff Conference

Our Trust-wide All Staff Conference brings together colleagues from across our schools and shared professional services for a dedicated programme of professional learning, collaboration and development.

The conference provides opportunities to explore shared educational and organisational priorities, learn from internal and external expertise, and develop new skills and professional relationships.

Bringing colleagues together also strengthens our sense of belonging to the wider GLT, creating opportunities to share experiences, celebrate achievements and learn from the different approaches and expertise within our schools.

The conference complements school-based professional development, providing opportunities for colleagues to engage with wider educational developments and contribute to the continued improvement of the Trust.

Professional Networks and Collaboration

One of the benefits of working within the GLT is the opportunity to learn from colleagues who undertake similar roles across different schools.

Our Trust-wide professional networks bring together colleagues to share effective practice, explore common challenges, develop resources and collaborate on areas of mutual interest.

These include networks for Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs), Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinators (SENDCos), Attendance Leads and other colleagues with shared professional responsibilities.

These networks create opportunities to:

• Share expertise, resources and effective approaches between schools.
• Develop a consistent understanding of statutory requirements, professional guidance and Trust-wide expectations.
• Explore common challenges and identify practical solutions.
• Support colleagues through professional discussion, peer learning and access to specialist expertise.
• Contribute to the development of Trust-wide policies, procedures and improvement initiatives.

Our professional networks recognise that every school has something valuable to contribute. By sharing our experiences and learning from one another, we can strengthen professional practice and improve the support available to students and staff across the GLT.

Cross-Trust Reviews and Shared Learning

Our approach to educational development and assurance is built on collaboration, professional dialogue and a shared commitment to continuous improvement. Cross-Trust Reviews provide opportunities for school leaders and staff to work alongside colleagues from other schools, exploring different approaches, sharing expertise and identifying opportunities for development.

Through these activities, colleagues can gain valuable experience beyond their own school, develop their understanding of different educational contexts and contribute to the improvement of provision across the Trust.

Cross-Trust Reviews also support professional development by creating opportunities to engage in structured evaluation, reflect on effective practice and develop the skills needed to support and challenge colleagues constructively.

Our aim is to ensure that learning flows in every direction, with each school both contributing to and benefiting from the collective expertise of the GLT.

Developing Our Leaders

We are committed to developing leadership at every level of the organisation, recognising that effective leadership is essential to the continued success of our schools and the wider Trust.

Our approach combines school-based leadership development with opportunities for colleagues to contribute to Trust-wide initiatives, collaborate with experienced leaders and develop a broader understanding of education and organisational leadership.

Trust Leaders' Network

Our Trust Leaders' Network brings together the Executive Leadership Team with Assistant and Deputy Headteachers from across our schools. Meeting every three weeks during term time, the Network provides a forum for collaboration, shared learning and collective leadership. It enables school leaders to contribute to Trust-wide developments, share effective practice and work together on challenges and opportunities affecting our students, staff and schools.

The Network also supports professional growth, helping colleagues develop their strategic leadership skills, build relationships beyond their own schools and contribute to the future direction of the GLT.

We believe that leadership development is strengthened when colleagues have opportunities to work beyond their immediate roles, engage with different perspectives and contribute to the development of the wider organisation.

Supporting Career Development

We want the GLT to be an organisation where colleagues can develop fulfilling and rewarding careers. Being part of a wider Trust creates opportunities to gain experience beyond an individual school or role, develop new skills and explore different career pathways.

We support colleagues through performance development discussions, access to relevant learning opportunities and opportunities to take on additional responsibilities where appropriate.

As the Trust develops, we also seek to create opportunities for colleagues to contribute to Trust-wide projects, participate in professional networks and progress into new roles across our schools and shared professional services.

Our commitment is to help colleagues continue learning throughout their careers, ensuring that professional development benefits both individuals and the students and communities we serve.