Multi Academy Trust Leaders gather for Deeply Christian Conference
On Friday, 17th April, trustees and central staff from five Church of England-led Multi Academy Trusts gathered for the “Deeply Christian” conference, held from 4pm to 8pm at Jubilee House. The event brought together approximately 30 delegates, including members of the Diocesan Board of Education (DBE), for an evening focused on faith-led educational leadership and trust-wide vision.
The conference opened with worship led by students from Minster School with the keynote address delivered by Andy Wolfe, Interim Chief Executive of the National Society for Education (Church of England and Wales) and Chief Education Officer for the Church of England.
His presentation, “Leading in a Christian Manner,” drew on theological themes including John 1:38, the Parable of the Talents, and 1 Corinthians 12, encouraging leaders to consider how Christian scripture informs organisational leadership and decision-making. Further input came from the Rev James Saunders, Vicar at St Mary’s Nottingham, who has also served for several years as chair of a church-led MAT, alongside Victoria Jones, Programme Lead for the Archbishops’ Young Leaders Award Programme. Together, they explored how trusts can develop a theologically rooted vision and how that vision might be lived out in practical leadership scenarios.
Nigel Frith, Diocesan Director of Education, contributed a creative reflection on “Christlikeness,” using art as a medium to explore the question of what Jesus is like and how that understanding shapes Christian educational leadership.
The evening concluded with a shared meal, offering delegates an opportunity for informal conversation and continued reflection on the themes of the conference.
Reflecting on the event, Samantha Dennis, Deputy Diocesan Director of Education, said:
“It was a wonderful to spend the evening with leaders from across our 5 Church led MATs to reflect on how we ensure our trust boards are places where the teachings of Jesus are understood and lived out.”
One delegate also commented:
“It was extremely informative and helpful I found it very engaging …”
The Deeply Christian Conference was organised by the diocesan Education Team, who support the 73 Church of England schools in the diocese.