As we reach the end of another successful academic year, I want to take a moment to reflect on what we have achieved together across Eastern Learning Alliance.
Every week throughout the year, our individual schools share newsletters packed with the day-to-day successes, celebrations and opportunities that make each school community so special. They rightly shine a light on the achievements of our pupils, the dedication of our staff and the invaluable support of parents, carers and our wider communities.
This review takes a step back to look across the Trust as a whole. It highlights some of the key milestones, strategic developments and collective achievements that have shaped the past year and demonstrates the strength of what we can accomplish by working together.
None of this would have been possible without the commitment, professionalism and ambition of our staff, the enthusiasm and resilience of our students, the support of parents and carers, and the partnerships we continue to build with governors, trustees, employers and our wider communities. Thank you to everyone who has played a part in another exceptional year for ELA.
I hope that all of our staff, students, parents, carers and members of the wider ELA community enjoy a well-earned and restful summer break. Thank you once again for your continued support of Eastern Learning Alliance.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back in September and to another exciting and successful year together in 2026–27.
CEO of the Eastern Learning Alliance
September: Investing in Our Schools
We started the year with the completion of our summer programme of improvement projects across the Trust, including new Sixth Form spaces at TCS, additional office and classroom accommodation at DMA, a larger teaching space at CMS, canteen acoustic improvements and LED lighting upgrades across schools, trust-wide roof repairs and enhanced exam security arrangements at CCC. These projects have improved learning environments and helped ensure our schools remain fit for the future.
October: Launch of Relate
A major milestone this year was the launch of ELA’s new in-house inclusive provision. Moving away from expensive external alternative provision providers, Relate now supports some of our most vulnerable learners through a blend of face-to-face and online provision, specialist staffing, counselling support and dedicated transport arrangements. The provision has made an excellent start this year, with positive trends in attendance, behaviour and attitudes and outcomes, ultimately giving students access to a stable, high-quality educational experience.
November: Vista Ofsted Success
We were delighted to celebrate Vista’s Ofsted outcome, marking a remarkable journey from special measures in just over two years. The inspection highlighted strong leadership, an inclusive culture, high levels of parental confidence and a consistent approach to curriculum and assessment. The report provided well-deserved recognition of the hard work of staff, pupils and the wider Trust.
December: Top 8% of Trusts Nationally
Publication of national MAT performance data confirmed ELA as one of the country’s highest-performing trusts. ELA was rated as an “above average” trust and ranked among the top 8% nationally. Among trusts with broadly comprehensive intakes, ELA’s performance places it alongside some of the strongest multi-academy trusts in England.
January: Leading School Improvement Through RISE
Our involvement in the Department for Education’s RISE programme continued to grow throughout the year. Through support for schools in the region, the Chesterton Attendance and Behaviour Hub and wider school improvement work, ELA has helped schools strengthen leadership, improve outcomes and share best practice. The programme has further enhanced ELA’s reputation as a trusted regional partner and school improvement leader.
February: New Special School Approved
We were delighted to receive final approval for ELA to lead a new special school in Downham Market. The new provision will offer 100 places for children and young people with communication and interaction needs, extending our impact beyond the Trust and helping to meet growing SEND demand across Norfolk.
March: A Shared Curriculum Vision
Over the past year, colleagues from across ELA have worked together on a trust-wide curriculum review, exploring curriculum design, teaching approaches, assessment and moderation. This collaborative work has resulted in a shared strategic approach that will help us respond confidently to future curriculum developments while continuing to strengthen consistency and quality across our schools.
April: Cambridge Maths School Ofsted Success
April brought another outstanding achievement, with Cambridge Maths School receiving an exceptional Ofsted outcome in all areas following its full inspection. The report recognised the school’s excellent provision and reflects the dedication of staff and leaders, supported by the wider ELA community through collaboration, professional networks and shared expertise.
May: Teaching and Learning Spotlights
Throughout the year, Trust leaders regularly visit classrooms, work alongside colleagues and engage with pupils across our schools. During the first half of the summer term, we complemented this ongoing work with a series of formal Teaching and Learning Spotlights, designed to showcase practice linked to our school specific Teaching and Learning strategies. These visits provided an opportunity to celebrate strengths, hear directly from students and reflect on the excellent teaching taking place across ELA. It was a real pleasure to spend time with staff and pupils and to see first-hand the consistency, ambition and expertise that characterise learning across our schools.
June: Mayfield Primary School Approval
In June, we received Department for Education approval for Mayfield Primary School to academise and join ELA. While the formal transfer will take place in the autumn, this important milestone marks the start of closer collaboration and an exciting new chapter for both organisations. The move is particularly exciting given Mayfield’s geographical proximity to Girton Glebe Primary School, creating excellent opportunities for collaboration, the sharing of expertise and joint working between staff and pupils. Combined with Mayfield’s established links to Chesterton Community College as a feeder school, the partnership will help strengthen educational opportunities and connections for local children and families.
July: Launch of the ELA Network
The final weeks of the academic year have seen the launch of the ELA Network, an ambitious initiative designed to broaden students’ horizons and equip them with the knowledge, skills and experiences needed to thrive in adulthood. Through a programme of engaging sessions, students will develop skills across five key strands: Life Skills & Independence; Human Skills; Enterprise & Innovation; Community & Agency, and Safety & Responsibility. Alongside these experiences, the ELA Network is building a growing community of employers, businesses and organisations that will provide students with access to real-world insight, opportunities and connections. By combining rich experiences with meaningful relationships, the programme aims to ensure every young person leaves ELA with the confidence, skills and networks to succeed in whatever path they choose.