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What is MATNews?

Welcome to the July edition of MATNews — created especially for the MATNetworks community! Dive in for local education insights and updates to keep you informed and inspired. 🚀

Thoughts from Carla Whelan,

CEO Empower Multi Academy Trust.

After diving deep into the concept of mastery and deep learning, I found countless interpretations—many of which were causing unnecessary stress in schools. I wanted to simplify things.


Drawing from Rosenshine’s principles and Tom Sherrington’s practical approach, I created a story-based model: setting the scene through modelling and scaffolding, developing chapters with questioning and connections, and ending with cliffhangers—retrieval, reflection, and embedding.


This framework turns learning into an adventure. Like any good story, it builds understanding, curiosity, and a desire to know more—step by step.

Using Colours in School Branding

to Evoke Emotional Connections.

Colour strongly influences perception—up to 90% of snap decisions about a product are based on colour alone.


For schools, branding with the right colours helps communicate identity, values, and history. At Blue Apple Education, we understand that it’s not always simple. 

Cultural associations, personal experiences, and even football teams can impact how colours are perceived. Standing out is important, but consistency matters too. A strong colour match builds trust and recognition. Whether modernising or rebranding, Blue Apple Education helps schools choose colours that speak to their audience and leave a lasting impression.

Are Your Income Opportunities unlocked?

With rising SEND demands and long-term cost pressures, it’s vital to secure your Trust’s financial future. The recent Spending Review highlighted these growing challenges—and over 95% of school leaders are now generating income from alternative sources.


Your Trust may hold untapped income potential in its facilities, partnerships, or expertise. From hiring out school spaces to partnering with local organisations or exploring filming opportunities, there are smart ways to boost funding.


EPM can help you uncover sustainable income strategies tailored to your context. Explore practical solutions that make a real impact.

Smart Procurement with ESPO.

Procurement

Are you responsible for your school’s procurement? With new regulations and increasing requirements, staying compliant and on budget is more challenging than ever.


That’s why ESPO, a trusted public sector procurement specialist, is hosting Smart Procurement Workshops this autumn—approved by the Department for Education (DfE).

These sessions will help you understand your responsibilities under The Procurement Act 2023 and equip you with practical tools, including a procurement toolkit and support from the ESPO team.


Spaces are limited, and booking is essential. Register your interest today—all welcome!

Make the Most of Your 

2025/26 PE Budget with iPEP.

With the confirmed PE budget for 2025/26, primary schools have a valuable opportunity to invest in iPEP, the leading Primary PE system.


iPEP streamlines planning, assessment, and reporting—saving teachers time and improving lesson quality. With curriculum-aligned resources and simple pupil progress tracking, schools can enhance PE delivery and meet curriculum requirements.


Investing in iPEP supports staff development, boosts pupil engagement, and promotes better health outcomes—helping schools meet government expectations and raise performance.


Take the next step in transforming your PE programme.


Empowering School Governors with 

AmazingCPD Training and Support.

students with their teacher

Governors play a vital role in every school’s success. They benefit from internal support via senior leaders and external development through expert training.


That’s where AmazingCPD comes in—offering high-quality, tailored training to help governors build confidence and drive school improvement. 

In return, governors contribute valuable insights, professional expertise, and on-site support, especially in key areas like safeguarding. Many also strengthen links with local communities and organisations.


Richard Smith, CEO of AmazingCPD, delivers impactful solutions to develop effective, engaged governors.

Boost Literacy Across Your Trust with 

Evidence-Based Reading Strategies.

Discover how your Trust can drive stronger literacy outcomes and a genuine love of reading with 3P Learning's latest white paper - "The Science of Reading: Igniting Reading Joy in the Digital Age". 

Grounded in research-informed practice, this guide offers actionable strategies for MAT leaders to implement scalable, effective reading instruction. Explore how digital tools can personalise learning, boost pupil engagement, and accelerate reading progress—while maintaining a structured, evidence-based approach.


Learn from real-world examples and help your schools deliver lasting literacy success.

Exhibitor Corner - Schools Mutual.

As budgets are being set, it's worth thinking about offering an alternative provision for staff absence protection and well-being for the year ahead. Schools Mutual combine 5 key budget areas (Staff Absence, Leadership CPD, Staff Well-Being, Occupational Health and Pupil Well-Being) for a guaranteed saving. Through collaboration, get the best value and best service available to UK academies. A not-for-profit cover designed to keep money in education, we are recommended by the DfE through the CPC framework. 

Save the Date - Future MATNetworks Events.

MATNetworks, The West Midlands hosted by Carla Whelan, CEO Empower Multi Academy Trust is being held on 2nd October 2025. Reserve your ticket for their second networking event here.


MATNetworks, South East hosted by Catherine Stalham, CEO South Essex Academy Trust will be running their second event in Essex on 5th February 2026. Book your ticket here.

Delegate tickets are complimentary. If you'd like to come along or know of anyone who would benefit from joining their regions local networking events feel free to forward details. All welcome!

Would you like to be involved in MATNetworks?


Regional MATNetworks are designed to bring together Trust leaders, and those aspiring to Trust and School leadership, within localised regions throughout the UK. 


The intimate gatherings aim to develop collaboration among Multi-Academy Trusts, sharing best practices, insights, and strategies to enhance education regionally and beyond.


If you'd be interested in working with us to host, join or exhibit at a MATNetworks event in your region, or would like to get involved in one that is already established, we'd love to hear from you!

Happy Summer Holidays! 😊

 

The MATNetworks Team 

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