Strengthening Our System Together: Reflections on Our Continued Collaboration with Bridge Academy Trust
By Mark Farmer, CEO, Bridge Academy Trust.
As CEO of Bridge Academy Trust, I have always believed that genuine school improvement thrives on meaningful partnerships. Our continued collaboration with Saffron Teaching School Hub is a powerful expression of that belief.
Together, we are shaping a coherent, connected professional development offer that supports teachers and leaders at every career stage - from Initial Teacher Training to system leadership.
A Shared Vision for High Quality Education
At Bridge Academy Trust, our purpose is clear: to provide high-quality education for all children from ages 3–19, supported by strong community values and a sustainable, school-led improvement strategy. Saffron Teaching School Hub holds a parallel mission - to strengthen teaching and leadership across Braintree, Chelmsford, Epping Forest, Harlow and Uttlesford through the delivery of the full “Golden Thread” of teacher development.
The alignment between our values and theirs has made our partnership not only natural, but impactful.
Deep Engagement in NPQ Programmes
Across our trust schools, leaders and aspiring leaders continue to engage enthusiastically with the NPQ suite facilitated by Saffron Teaching School Hub. Over 90 of our staff have undertaken an NPQ programme, from both specialist and leadership suites – reflecting our commitment to developing “high quality professional staff at every level”.
This investment supports two strategic trust priorities:
- Embedding research-led practice, and
- Developing empowered local leaders capable of driving sustainable change.
We have seen colleagues progress from teaching and middle leadership to senior roles, drawing on the expertise gained from NPQ participation.
Several of our leaders also serve as NPQ facilitators, including Sophie Allchin, our People Strategy Lead and Director of Mid Essex ITT, who completed NPQLTD with Saffron TSH and now supports the next generation of programme members.
A Lead Partner in Initial Teacher Training
Our longstanding teacher training provision, Mid Essex Initial Teacher Training (MEITT), sits proudly within Bridge Academy Trust. We work closely with Saffron Teaching School Hub as a Lead Partner for ITT, ensuring that new teachers experience a seamless transition into the profession and receive the highest quality preparation for their early careers.
Saffron Teaching School Hub’s responsibility for school-based teacher training across our region aligns perfectly with our trust’s capacity and experience. Together, we create a coherent pathway for trainees to enter the profession, complete their Early Career Training, and continue on to NPQs – all within a consistent, supportive ecosystem.
Strategic Leadership Through the CEO Strategy Group
My role within the Saffron Teaching School Hub CEO Strategy Group is another important dimension of our collaboration. In this group, trust and system leaders work collectively to shape the strategic direction of the hub’s offer, ensuring that training, support and leadership development reflect the real needs of our schools.
I value the opportunity to provide both strategic guidance and professional challenge to the hub’s senior team. In turn, this partnership ensures that the hub’s work remains grounded, innovative and responsive to the evolving educational landscape.
A Partnership Rooted in Professional Learning and System Improvement
Bridge Academy Trust has always emphasised staff development, peer-to-peer support, and expertise across all age ranges as core drivers of school improvement. Through our internal expertise, through our networks and CPD and school improvement approach, research into impactful national strategies, and through our collaboration with Saffron Teaching School Hub, we strengthen these aims by ensuring our staff have access to:
- Sector leading NPQs
- Evidence-based CPD
- High quality teacher training
- Leadership pathways informed by the best available research
Every element of this partnership is designed to help teachers and leaders enjoy, enrich, achieve and aspire – not only in their practice, but in their professional identity and impact.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, our shared focus remains unchanged: ensuring that every child, in every school, receives an excellent education. Through our continued collaboration with Saffron Teaching School Hub, we will keep building a stronger, more connected, more confident workforce – one that is fully equipped to meet the challenges of a changing world.
Together, with clarity of purpose and commitment to excellence, we are shaping the future of education across our region.