primary school children

Primary School Focus

Our vision is to grow a family of schools in both the primary and secondary phases, that work together to provide an education that builds character. We share a mission to develop confident young people who can make a positive difference to the world around them.

We are keen to develop the primary phase of our Trust and are excited by the opportunities that exist from having students from Year R to Year 13 learning in a family of schools.

We are a small Trust that has ambitions to welcome three more schools over the next one to two years. Our work to date has shown us that collaboration and partnership can benefit all students exponentially, and that there is great enjoyment and satisfaction to be had from working with colleagues in more than one school.

Why develop a trust with primary and secondary schools?

We understand and respect that there are key differences in the way that primary and secondary schools teach their students. However, we also recognise that all schools, regardless of phase, have the potential to focus on the development of the whole child and to sit at the heart of the local community.

Joining the Trust helps secure financial sustainability for small schools

In 2021 local authorities will no longer be able to make local adjustments to the national funding formula. This means additional funds currently given to small primary schools by the LA will cease. Working with a group of schools means we can support schools with HR and finance tasks, for example, which means they can save staffing costs.

All Trust students benefit
from a range of shared facilities

We recognise that many primary schools don’t have larger scale sports and performance spaces. We know that some schools would really value the opportunity to use them.

All Trust students benefit from a range of shared facilities

We recognise that many primary schools don’t have larger scale sports and performance spaces. We know that some schools would really value the opportunity to use them.

How else will primary schools benefit by joining the Trust?

The key benefits to all schools joining the Character Education Trust are discussed in detail on the following pages.

Mr Matthew Wright
Executive Headteacher
and Trust Leader

Trust Leadership

Sheila Smith
Chair of the Trustees
Matthew Wright
Executive Headteacher
and Trust Leader
Nigel Newman
Finance Director
Ben Sanchez
HR Manager
Mike Cater
Headteacher
Wrotham School
Tanya Kelvie
Headteacher
Aylesford School

You can contact the Character Education Trust leadership team on their emails above.