Growing Leaders, Growing Trust: How Inspires MAT and Saffron TSH Are Shaping the Future Together
Ceri Jones, Inspires MAT CEO, shares his reflections with Kerrie McGivern, Saffron TSH Deputy Director.
At Inspires Multi-Academy Trust, the commitment to “fulfilling potential, fostering belief, and seeking excellence” is more than a vision - it’s a lived reality. With a growing family of primary academies across Essex, the Trust is united by a mission to provide every child with an educational, social, and emotional offer that inspires them to “aspire to be the best we can be in all that we do.” This ethos extends to every adult in the organisation too, from classroom teachers to senior leaders.
Underpinning this mission are the Trust’s core values - Inclusive, Child-Centred, Community-Focused, Passionate, Nurturing, Enriching, and Empowering. These values shape every decision and partnership, including the Trust’s collaboration with Saffron Teaching School Hub.
A Shared Vision for Growth
The synergy between Inspires MAT and Saffron Teaching School Hub is no coincidence. Both organisations are deeply committed to ensuring that all pupils thrive and schools prosper.
This shared belief in ambition, collaboration, accountability and trust forms the foundation of the partnership. Both organisations understand that sustainable school improvement is only possible when professional development is embedded, strategic, and inclusive.
“In order to develop leadership at all levels, the Trust sought a provider who would deliver high-quality CPD within our intended aims,” explains Ceri Jones, CEO of Inspires MAT. “We felt Saffron was best placed to do this - and we’ve been proven correct.”
When the Trust began exploring how to strengthen leadership at all levels, they sought a partner who could deliver high-quality, research-informed professional development. That search led them to Saffron Teaching School Hub.
“The quality of the provider through prior experience and colleagues’ experience, as well as reputation, really stood out. Additionally, the calibre of associated facilitators, combined with high-quality training material and ongoing support, made Saffron the right choice.”
This decision was not made in isolation. It formed part of a wider leadership strategy designed to embed professional learning across the Trust and support long-term school improvement. The aim was to develop confident, capable leaders at every level - from early career teachers to executive leaders.
The Impact of National Professional Qualifications
Since engaging with Saffron’s suite of National Professional Qualifications (NPQs), the Trust has seen a clear shift in both leadership behaviours and classroom practice. Staff now approach their roles with greater clarity and strategic intent. They are more confident in leading initiatives, managing change, and supporting colleagues.
“Staff have a far clearer understanding of roles and responsibilities,” says Ceri. “They’ve developed their strategic thinking and their process of application when undertaking new initiatives or delivering whole-school change.”
In the classroom, the impact is equally visible. Teachers are applying evidence-based methods more effectively, drawing on the latest research to inform their practice. This has led to improved pupil outcomes and a more consistent approach to teaching and learning across the Trust.
“Through the training programme delivered within NPQs, staff have improved the effectiveness and use of evidence-based teaching methods,” Ceri notes. “They now implement strategies that are proven to enhance pupil learning outcomes.”
The benefits extend beyond pedagogy. Staff retention has improved, and a stronger leadership pipeline is emerging. With a clearer understanding of organisational dynamics and leadership challenges, staff are better equipped to support their teams and contribute to whole-school development.
The NPQs have also helped align leadership development with the Trust’s strategic goals. Staff are no longer waiting to be asked to lead - they are stepping forward with ideas, presenting solutions, and driving innovation.
“Where once staff waited to lead or innovate, they now have the confidence and residual knowledge to formulate strategies,” says Ceri. “The NPQs have also built confidence in staff that allows them to present to others and find solutions to challenges - this was not always the case prior.”
An Effective Partnership
Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. Staff value the structure of the programmes, the expertise of facilitators, and the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions with peers.
What has made this partnership so effective is the strength of the relationship between Inspires MAT and Saffron Teaching School Hub. Communication has been clear and purposeful, and support has been readily available when needed.
“We get excellent support from the Hub as a Trust, and support for staff on courses is there when required and accessible,” says Ceri. “Communication is pitched right - with enough information where needed, but not over-communication.”
Trust has been built through consistency and professionalism. Saffron has delivered on its promises, enabling the Inspires MAT central team to focus on its strategic priorities while knowing that leadership development is in expert hands.
Ready to Grow Your Leaders?
If you’re a Trust or school leader looking to strengthen your leadership pipeline, improve teaching and learning, and build a confident, evidence-informed workforce, we’d love to hear from you.
Get in touch with Saffron Teaching School Hub to explore how our NPQ programmes and wider support can help your organisation grow and thrive.
📧 Email: saffrontsh@saffron.academy
🌐 Website : www.saffronteachingschoolhub.net
📞 Phone: 01799 513030
Let’s grow the future of education - together.