Being part of this Trust has truly enabled me to flourish in my role as a SENCO. The consistent support from leaders has given me the courage to advocate unapologetically for our pupils with additional needs, knowing that inclusive practice is not just encouraged but championed.

There is a genuine sense of unity across the Trust — collaboration between schools and leaders means I never feel isolated in decision-making. Instead, I feel empowered, heard and professionally valued.

Through this shared commitment and strong leadership backing, I have grown in confidence, developed my strategic impact and strengthened provision for our children. The Trust’s culture of courage and unity doesn’t just shape our schools — it shapes us as professionals.

SENCo - Etruscan Primary School

Orchard Community Trust has supported my growth in leadership through CPD and opportunities for collaborative working. Network meetings enable me to stay up to date with the most recent subject developments and help guide my work in line with both the Trust’s objectives and those of my school.

Both Forest Park and OCT strongly promote lifelong learning and ambition, consistently providing opportunities for professional development. The shared ambition of my school and the trust to continue growing and moving forward is inspiring and reflects the aspirations we hold for both our pupils and staff.

KS2 Lead - Forest Park Primary School

Being a part of The Orchard Community Trust is truly wonderful. I have had many fantastic opportunities to collaborate, allowing me to share expertise and best practice across our partner schools. The professional support available has been paramount to my success. Sharing resources, leadership guidance and networking with peers has strengthened my teaching, learning and leadership.

There is a sense of shared purpose, where challenge and support help every school improve and we are able to learn from one another's strengths. The Trust ensures we are part of a wider community, which is committed to achieving excellence for all our pupils and staff.

Teacher - Oakhill Primary School

Etruscan Primary School is where I first learned to read and write, and it’s now the place where I teach. Growing up in this diverse community and returning to serve it makes my work especially rewarding and gives me a deep sense of belonging.

The Trust and the leaders at my school have supported me from my ECT years to becoming a confident teacher, providing encouragement and opportunities to truly flourish. It’s a positive, supportive environment, and I’m proud to inspire the same children and families I once stood alongside.

Teacher - Etruscan Primary School

Working for the Orchard Community Trust has provided opportunities to network with other teachers and to be able to share expertise and knowledge across the schools so that we have a shared vision for supporting our children.  The Orchard Community Trust is very supportive of all its staff and values staff wellbeing and development. 

Teacher - Forest Park Primary School

Being part of a Trust enables collaboration with other schools, sharing ideas, expertise and best practice to improve culture and development of staff and curriculum. It provides support and challenge from other professionals to ensure that staff and pupils flourish and grow.

Assistant Headteacher - Oakhill Primary School
 

Being a part of the Trust has all the positive aspects of an extended family. There is always someone there to help support and encourage you. I can't imagine working anywhere else.

Pupil Welfare Assistant - Etruscan Primary School

I joined Forest Park Primary school in 2017 and have seen the development and growth of the Orchard Community Trust. I have always felt supported in driving forward my ambitions, including support to complete my NASENCO qualification, which later led to an application of SENCO at my current school. I love working with other colleagues from across the trust and we have built strong relationships of support and networking, which can be seen across all levels of leadership. 

SENCo - Forest Park Primary School