At Ormiston Academies Trust, we’ve been dedicated to transforming education since 2009. We’re proud to be one of the oldest, largest and most established school trusts in the country, supporting over 35,000 pupils in 44 schools with over 5,000 staff – currently 32 secondary schools, six primary schools, three alternative provision schools and three special schools.
We are one of the few national trusts in the school system with our schools spread across England in diverse locations such as Lowestoft, the Isle of Wight, Grimsby, Runcorn, London and the West Midlands. This national reach reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and the learning opportunities we aim to provide for every child.
At the heart of everything we do is a simple yet powerful vision: a school system where every child can thrive.
At the heart of everything we do is a simple yet powerful vision: a school system where every child can thrive, and our mission is to ensure every child has excellent learning opportunities, inside and outside of the classroom, which enrich their lives and afford them choice and opportunity in the future.
We’re proud of our rich history and the strong values and beliefs that underpin everything we do. These form the foundation of our strategy and help us tell our story through:
- Our origin story
- Our core beliefs
- Our vision and mission
- The three purposes of school
- Our values
Each of these elements reflects who we are, what we stand for, and the impact we aim to have.
Our origin story
The Ormiston Trust was established in 1969 following the tragic death of Fiona Ormiston Murray, as a way for her family to honour her memory by supporting children and families in need. For over 40 years, the The Ormiston Trust has been dedicated to this mission, and 15 years ago Fiona’s brother, Peter Murray, expanded its work by founding Ormiston Academies Trust to run schools. At its heart Ormiston Academies Trust operates on the principle that ‘every child deserves to thrive.’
Our founding story and history inspire three core beliefs which drive or guide our work:
- Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background.
- We work where the challenge is greatest, and we embrace this challenge.
- We are committed to a broad and rich vision of education, delivering the best learning experiences for every child both inside and outside the classroom
As societal challenges increase and inequality grows, our core beliefs are more vital than ever. Children, young people, and their families need optimistic, determined leadership to raise educational standards and create greater choice and opportunity for the next generation.
Vision
A school system where every child can thrive.
Mission
To provide every child with excellent learning opportunities, both inside and outside the classroom, enriching their lives and empowering them with choice and opportunity for the future.
The three purposes of school
We believe our schools serve three essential purposes: education, enrichment, and futures.
- Education: to immerse our children and young people into the knowledge and achievements of humankind, enabling them to appreciate and understand the world, and contribute to it.
- Enrichment: to inspire or enable children and young people to develop wider interests, passions and character to take into adult life. Schools are places where shared values, friendships and relationships are formed; they enrich their communities and wider society.
- Futures: to prepare children and young people to take their place in the world, with qualifications that give choice and opportunity, and the skills and confidence to flourish in adult life. There is dignity in all forms of work and in different futures and many ways to live a good life. We believe in the dignity of all work, the diversity of future opportunities, and the many ways to lead a fulfilling life.
Values
At Ormiston Academies Trust, five values shape everything we do:
- Ambition: We believe everyone can achieve and strive for excellence in all we do.
- Learning: We are committed to continuous learning, seeing growth and development as the path to improvement.
- Perseverance: We embrace challenges and grow by tackling difficult things.
- Collaboration: We achieve more by working together.
- Inclusion: We break down barriers to ensure everyone can learn, grow, and participate.