Bath and Wells Multi Academy Trust

Vision and Purpose

At the heart of the BWMAT Education Strategy is a powerful and inclusive vision:
“To provide an excellent education for every child, enhanced by a distinctive Christian ethos within our Trust family.”

The strategy is not just a document—it’s a lived experience across 45 schools, shaped by the voices of leaders, staff, trustees, and communities. It aims to ensure that every child, regardless of background or ability, is seen, heard, valued, and empowered to flourish.

The strategy has a "golden thread" of Christian distinctiveness, inspired by the vision from John 10:10: “I have come that they may have life, life in all its fullness.”  This golden thread runs through every aspect of the strategy, shaping culture, decisions, and daily practice across all schools. It is expressed through eight core characteristics that nurture academic, emotional, spiritual, and social growth. Whether in church schools or community settings, this shared ethos ensures every child is seen, valued, and empowered to flourish—reflecting a commitment to holistic education rooted in compassion, inclusion, and purpose.

Strategic principles

The strategy is built on three core principles:

• Clarity – Clear expectations and processes for all.
• Consistency – Shared values and high standards across schools.
• Quality – Excellence is not aspirational—it is expected.

It is aligned with national frameworks (Ofsted, SIAMS) and celebrates the Trust’s Christian distinctiveness. It also reflects feedback from school leaders who asked for development, not reinvention.

The eight characteristics of excellence

These characteristics form the backbone of the strategy and define what excellence looks like in every school:

1. Effective leadership: insight into impact

Leadership is visionary, inclusive, and rooted in wisdom. It fosters a culture of trust, reflection, and continuous improvement. Leaders are expected to:

• Prioritise pupil needs.
• Make evidence-based decisions.
• Promote collaboration across the Trust.
• Model humility and growth.

2. Readiness for learning: present, positive and prepared

This newly added characteristic focuses on ensuring children are emotionally, socially, and cognitively ready to learn. Excellence in this area includes:

• High expectations and consistent routines.
• Strong relationships with families.
• Inclusive, safe environments.
• Rigorous attendance and safeguarding practices.

3. Nurturing beginnings: small steps, igniting curiosity

Early Years provision is personalised, inclusive, and rich in awe and wonder. Key elements include:

• Skilled, passionate educators.
• Play-based learning and structured teaching.
• Strong family partnerships.
• Continuous assessment and responsive planning.

4. Aspirational curriculum: inspiring ambition

The curriculum is designed to prepare children for future challenges. It is:

• Coherently sequenced and engaging.
• Focused on foundational knowledge.
• Inclusive and culturally rich.
• Supported by strategic assessment and feedback.

5. Excellence in teaching: empowering learners

Teaching is rooted in deep subject knowledge and effective pedagogy. Teachers:

• Activate prior learning.
• Break down complex concepts.
• Use questioning to deepen understanding.
• Provide scaffolds and feedback.
• Promote independence and resilience.

6. Inclusion and diversity: the highest aspiration for every child

Every child is valued and supported through tailored provision. Excellence includes:

• Early identification of needs.
• Inclusive environments and practices.
• Data-informed decision-making.
• Diverse representation in curriculum.
• Strong family engagement.

7. Wellbeing matters: empowering everyone

Wellbeing is a strategic priority for pupils and staff. Schools:

• Promote holistic health.
• Build resilience and independence.
• Champion self-care and authenticity.
• Foster strong relationships and professional dialogue.

8. Flourishing together: schools, families, communities

Education is a shared responsibility. Schools:

• Build strong partnerships with families and local services.
• Engage in practitioner-led research and innovation.
• Contribute to Trust-wide and national networks.
• Create inclusive communities where everyone thrives.

School improvement model

Schools are categorised into four stages - Excellent, Embedding, Accelerating, Resetting - based on their performance across the eight characteristics. Schools in each category receive a tailored support package to drive improvement.

Conclusion

This strategy is a declaration of identity, purpose, and hope. It is a promise to every child that they will be nurtured to become the best version of themselves. It is also a call to every educator to lead with courage, compassion, and excellence.