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Welcome to the September edition of MATNews — crafted for the MATNetworks community! Explore fresh education insights and updates designed to keep you informed and inspired. 🚀 | |
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From the Desk of Carla Whelan, CEO Empower Multi Academy Trust.
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Jaz has reinforced for me that I wasn’t called to run someone else’s race. I was called to lead our trust community, with our values, and to meet our children where they are. When we lead with authenticity and purpose, we stop playing to win and start leading to transform.
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The Simple Website Hack That Could Have a Huge Impact on Pupil Admissions. | |
Many schools risk losing potential admissions because their websites lack a clear call to action (CTA). Instead of guiding parents with a visible “Enquire Now” or “Book a Visit” button linked to a simple form, many rely on email enquiries — yet research shows 48% of these go unanswered. | | | |
Adding a clear CTA and online form ensures every enquiry is captured, tracked, and responded to promptly. It also makes the process easier and more professional for parents.
Blue Apple Education advises that simple website improvement can significantly increase admissions by turning casual interest into genuine applications.
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Recruitment as a Story of Values:
Purpose, Safeguarding, and Trust.
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MyNewTerm advocate that recruitment in education is far more than filling vacancies; it is a strategic process that shapes culture, safeguards children, and strengthens public trust.
The CST CEO Leadership Summit highlighted how recruitment can embody a Trust's mission and values in practical, everyday decisions. | | | |
By aligning hiring with purpose, safeguarding, and transparency, leaders demonstrate accountability and integrity to their communities. For CEOs, recruitment is not just an operational task but an opportunity to lead with conviction, ensuring every appointment reflects their values and commitment to the future of education.
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Transform Your Sixth Form
Admissions with Applicaa. | |
Over one-third of Sixth Forms and Colleges across the UK are now using Applicaa’s Admissions+ platform to completely transform their Year 12 admissions process. Schools report up to a 40% reduction in admin time, faster offer turnaround, and improved conversion rates by engaging students earlier and more professionally.
With everything in one place — from Open Day registrations and digital application forms to offers and enrolment — Applicaa makes managing Sixth Form admissions smoother, smarter, and more data-driven. Staff love the automated workflows and MIS integration; students love the sleek, friendly experience.
Sixth Forms still using paper or clunky spreadsheets risk falling behind. Want to see how your process compares? Check and discover the difference Applicaa can make - they can even offer you a free Enrolment Day Health Check. | |
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The Power of Play: Why Schools Need
to Prioritise Break Time. | |
A new report from the Raising the Nation Play Commission reveals that children are losing up to two hours of playtime each week, with schools under pressure to reduce breaks for more teaching. The decline is most severe in disadvantaged areas, widening the well-being gap. | | | |
Commando Joe’s Let’s Play programme offers a solution, structured, pupil-led missions that make playtime meaningful, active, and fun. With full training and resources, schools can boost behaviour, social skills, and engagement during breaks. Let’s Play supports the report’s recommendations and helps schools reimagine the power of play. | |
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Smarter Hiring for Multi-Academy Trusts.
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Eteach Group is the UK’s leading education recruitment partner, supporting Trust leaders to attract, hire and retain the best talent at scale. ETeach combine hiring technology, the largest education-specific job board and targeted marketing expertise to deliver measurable results.
Their scalable Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is built for education and they have an exclusive community of 2.7m+ education professionals aiming to make recruitment faster, simpler and more cost-effective. From attraction to onboarding and retention, Eteach is an end-to-end solution that centralises every stage of hiring for Multi-academy Trusts. | |
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A Practical Guide to Robots
in Early Years Education. | |
AmazingICT is delighted to share its brand-new guide to robots designed to support Computing and ICT in schools. The guide introduces a range of devices that are ideal for younger learners, particularly those in Nurseries and Reception | | | |
classes, helping to make early experiences with technology fun, interactive, and meaningful.
Robots are carefully selected to inspire curiosity, develop problem-solving skills, and encourage creativity in the classroom. The guide is available to the MATNetworks community, reflecting AmazingICT’s commitment to supporting educators with practical resources. To find out more, don't hesitate to get in touch with Richard Smith.
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National Education Insights 2025: Free Survey Reports for Trust Leaders. | |
Edurio’s upcoming national reports reveal what’s really shaping trusts and schools today, built on the voices of staff, pupils and parents across England.
Drawing on 388,000 survey responses in 2024/25 and more than 920,000 since 2022, 3 free reports highlight trends. | | | |
These free 3 reports highlight national trends in staff retention, pupil wellbeing and parental confidence.
With one simple sign-up, trust leaders can access the Staff Experience, Pupil Experience and Parent Experience reports as soon as they launch in late September, gaining a clear view of the national landscape and practical insights to guide decision-making. | |
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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, Schools Mutual are recommended by the DfE through the CPC framework. | |
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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!
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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! | |
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Happy New Academic Year! 😊 The MATNetworks Team | |
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