In recent years, New College Durham Academies Trust (NCDAT) has achieved remarkable growth and success, expanding to encompass seven schools, all of which have earned ‘Good’ ratings from Ofsted. This accomplishment underscores NCDAT’s commitment to providing high quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment for students across the region.

To build on this success, NCDAT recently held a Governance Day, bringing together volunteers and key stakeholders to review and contribute to the Trust’s Development Plan. The event was pivotal in ensuring that everyone involved in the governance of the Trust is aligned with its vision and strategic goal.

Chief Executive Officer, Linda Rodham, expressed pride in the collective achievement ‘Our growth and positive Ofsted ratings across all of our schools highlight the strength of our collaborative approach and our relentless focus on delivering the best possible education for our students. We are committed to nurturing talent and providing opportunities for every child to succeed.’

(Image: New College Durham Academies Trust)
The Governance Day was a significant milestone for the Trust, emphasising the importance of effective governance in sustaining and advancing the quality of education. Volunteers, including Governors and Trustees gathered to engage in discussions about the Trust’s development plan, which outlines strategic priorities and initiatives for the coming years.

All Governors were welcomed to Beamish Hall Hotel to gain an insight into each of its schools, although Governors are familiar with the strategic aims and challenges of their own school this was an opportunity to find out more about the other schools within NCDAT and how they have dealt with their own challenges.

The main focus of the day however was to look through the Trust Development Plan, with the opportunity to break out in to smaller groups to further discuss the four strands of Plan which are School Improvement, Resources, People and Growth. 

(Image: New College Durham Academies Trust)
The Governance Day was also an excellent chance to network with the Corporate Team of the Trust to learn the different areas that they can help the schools including Finance, IT, Estates, Data and Marketing.

For further governance opportunities at NCDAT, head to their website at www.ncdat.co.uk