At the Good Shepherd Trust’s recent conference, Peter Ballard delivered an inspiring address that spoke to both the challenges and aspirations shared by educators across the trust.
He began by acknowledging the hopes and concerns many face as they navigate the evolving landscape of education, particularly within a new government, academies and schools. These institutions, he reminded the audience, are more than just buildings—they are the places where the futures of countless children are shaped.
Peter emphasised the importance of trust—trust within the community, among staff, and, most importantly, between schools and the families they serve. He highlighted the need to continually foster and refresh this trust as a critical foundation for the success of every school within the trust.
He made it clear that the Good Shepherd Trust is committed to understanding and acting on the needs of its communities. This means not just making decisions at the top, but actively listening to and integrating feedback from teachers, parents, and students. Peter reaffirmed the Trust’s dedication to ensuring its actions reflect the voices of those it serves.
In his call to action, Peter encouraged leaders to address concerns openly and with clarity, urging them to engage in meaningful dialogue. He stressed the importance of direct communication between leaders and those within their schools, noting that lasting change begins from within.
One of the key messages from Peter’s speech was the idea of service—not just to the schools, but to the wider communities they are a part of. He drew attention to the twelve communities within the trust, reminding everyone that their ultimate goal is to serve these communities to the best of their ability.
Peter concluded his remarks by reinforcing the Trust’s commitment to excellence. While challenges remain, he expressed confidence that they are surmountable, and that the Trust will face them with transparency, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility to the communities it serves.