Delta Academies Trust Annual Conference: Inspiring the Future of Education

Delta Academies Trust’s annual conference, held at The Milner in York on 17th and 18th October 2024, was a resounding success. CEO Paul Tarn kicked off the event with a comprehensive overview of the Trust’s achievements over the past year. He shared exciting future plans, including the development of the Patterdale centre. Paul expressed his vision for the Trust’s future outcomes and highlighted the importance of collaboration, as evidenced by the inclusion of Coast and Vale Learning Trust in the conference.

Paul emphasised the Trust’s commitment to providing exceptional educational experiences for all students. He highlighted the importance of enrichment activities and extra-curricular programmes in fostering well-rounded individuals. “Reading is the biggest gift we can give to our generation,” he said, underscoring the significance of literacy.

The conference featured a lineup of inspiring speakers who shared their insights and experiences. Jo Fairley, co-founder of Green & Black’s, discussed the importance of strong branding, values, and customer experience. She emphasised the power of storytelling and the need to share one’s journey with the world. “Hearing everything Delta is doing, I’m especially glad to be talking here today,” she said. “You are opening kids’ eyes to the world.”

Katriona O’Sullivan, an award-winning academic and lecturer, delivered a moving keynote about her personal journey from poverty and adversity to academic success. She stressed the importance of empathy, compassion, and belief in students, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds. “Classrooms and the education system should be designed around the most marginalised,” she said. “They may not receive the attention and care they deserve in the home.” Katriona also highlighted the transformative power of reading, echoing the Trust’s focus on literacy. “The only thing that differentiated me, was that I loved books,” she shared.

Abbie Dewhurst, a renowned meteorologist and environmental advocate, shared her experiences with extra-curricular activities and the positive impact they had on her life. She encourages students to explore their passions and embrace opportunities to learn and grow. “The extra-curricular side of my life at school was so important,” she said. Abbie found her life passion through the opportunities given to her at school, which has led her to ‘live her dream’.

Dr. Phil Smith, from Delta Academies Trust, concluded the first day with a fascinating presentation on quantum physics and the power of mindset. He emphasised the importance of positive thinking and self-belief in achieving success. “Mindset is everything,” he said. “We create the world we believe it to be, and where we focus our mind changes what happens in the real world.”

After a day of inspiring talks, our conference attendees gathered for a fun and competitive evening. A “1% Club” style quiz was held, where colleagues from across the Trust battled it out for the top prize. The atmosphere was electric as the final ten contestants took to the stage. After a series of challenging questions, it came down to a primary vs. secondary showdown between Tom Wriglesworth and Chris Hoyle. Ultimately, Chris Hoyle emerged victorious, securing the title of quiz champion.

The second day of the conference focused on reflection and future planning. Lee Owston, HMI, provided an update on Ofsted’s reforms and emerging trends. He discussed the need for more specific and useful frameworks that support schools generally, not solely used for the inspection cycle.

Sam Freedman, a former government advisor, shared his insights on the political landscape of education. He highlighted the government’s focus on teacher recruitment and retention, curriculum reform, and addressing the challenges of SEND.

The Delta Academies Trust annual conference was a resounding success, providing inspiration, knowledge, and practical insights for educators. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to excellence, the Trust continues to strive for a brighter future for its students.