Annual conference delves into ALET culture

‘Culture’ was the theme of this year’s annual Activate Learning Education Trust (ALET) conference and gave colleagues a chance to reflect on our Trust’s identity, values and future.

Held at UTC Oxfordshire on 22 April, this was an opportunity for staff from across all six ALET schools and the central team to connect and examine how our culture is understood, and how well it is embedded into school life.

A welcome from Chief Education Officer Rachel Cave kicked things off, where she reminded all colleagues of a shared purpose, and that: ‘We are the Trust, building a culture of learning together’.

“Culture isn’t just a concept – it’s the way we live our values and define our approach to learning and working,” she said. “Too often, we hear ‘What will the Trust do?’ as if it’s a separate entity. But the truth is: we are the Trust. There is no outside force making decisions – we shape this together. We are a community of people, purpose and action – teachers, leaders, support staff, all united by one goal – to transform lives through learning.

“Within our Trust, everyone plays a vital role. We each face different challenges and celebrate different wins, but our commitment to learning, collaboration and impact brings us together. Our culture should reflect that shared identity. It’s in how we teach, lead and support one another every day.”

Importance of stories

Rachel went on to welcome keynote speaker Clare O’Sullivan from the Professional Teaching Institute (PTI).

Clare O’Sullivan

Clare, a former English teacher, AST and Deputy Headteacher, spoke about the importance of stories in shaping culture, be that individually or as an organisation.

“Culture is built by repetition, myths and by the stories we tell ourselves and others,” she said.

She asked several teachers why they wanted to become teachers, and why they chose their subject. Responses included: “After a long research career I wanted to give something back in physics”; “I was impacted as a very little girl by my teacher and wanted to impact other people’s lives. I chose business as it is part of every aspect of life”; and “I was influenced by my professor dad. I’m a maths teacher and I like being in the classroom making the subject accessible.”

Clare summarised – “For most of you in here, the first part of the story is that you care. We all have our backstories that help create our identity and other stories help us to make meaning of the world. Stories carry values, shape behaviour and inspire commitment.

“This conference was a reminder that everyone’s story matters—and when shared, stories foster connection, inspire change, and lay the foundation for a stronger, more united Trust. We are all writing the ALET story together – one moment, one lesson, one interaction at a time.”

Embedding our culture

A series of breakout sessions followed, bringing staff together with the aim of helping shape the strategic direction for 2025–2030, with a strong focus on the Trust’s Learning Philosophy and core attributes – Resilient, Enterprising, Confident, Aware and Professional. Described as the ‘golden thread’ or ‘DNA’ of the Trust, these attributes are seen as critical tools to unify the community and drive impactful change across all levels of practice.

The sessions encouraged participants to reflect on how the Trust’s Learning Philosophy and attributes can be fully embedded across all schools and departments over the next five years.

In small subgroups, delegates explored what each of these attributes means in their specific roles and settings. The lively discussions allowed teams to share perspectives, identify challenges and highlight opportunities for strengthening the Trust’s culture and strategic goals.

The session underscored a collective commitment to living the Trust’s values in everyday practice and ensuring that its Learning Philosophy is not just an idea on paper, but a deeply embedded reality across the organisation.

As CEO Jo Harper put it: “This is about bringing our strategy to life through the voices and experiences of those who live it daily. Our attributes aren’t just words—they’re how we lead, teach and grow together.”

The day was rounded off nicely with long-serving staff awarded for their service.