"Working with Independent Thinking has added real value to our Trust"

The above quote comes from the Bath and Wells MAT, a large Church of England trust in the south west of England and winner in the 2025 National MAT Awards.

Apart from sharing a common goal about improving outcomes for all members of the Trust's community, we are also united in being values driven, not outcomes driven.

This is why we are increasingly being approached by faith-based schools, MATs and school groups to support their work, knowing they will find a partner who is as committed as they are to an education that also addresses issues such as social justice, dignity, hope, peace and working in communities with the most need.

The recent paper, Flourishing Together issued jointly by the Confederation of School Trusts, the Church of England and the Catholic Education Service, highlights the many ways faith-based schools and trusts go above and beyond in the education of their children and students. They identify what they call their 'Ten Flourishing Seeds' and it is heartening to see the many overlaps between this mission and Independent Thinking's work over the years.

From their focus on equity, diversity, inclusion and justice to their commitment to student voice and much more besides, these are core values that have also driven our work for three decades.

Whether that is through our speakers who have worked in some of the country's most challenging communities or who are dedicated to helping all children access the curriculum or our books such as The Working Class, Square Pegs and No Other - Creating schools where everyone belongs, (to be published in partnership with Routledge this autumn), it is clear we are fighting the good fight on the same side.

BWMAT also go on to say:

"Independent Thinking bring a unique blend of creativity, credibility, and commitment to education. Their keynote speakers have consistently inspired and challenged our leaders and educators, offering fresh perspectives grounded in real-world experience."

As part of this special ongoing relationship we have worked with the Trust in many ways, from providing a steady stream of world-class speakers for their leadership conferences on a wide range of topics including leadership, diversity, inclusion and well-being, to engaging and practical training days and twilights for all staff.

We have also supported their network of around 40 schools with in-school visits, reviews and evaluations and training for that all-important middle leadership tier.

The breadth of expertise and experience across our Associates combined with our understanding of how faith schools tick mean that we have been able to provide timely, useful, bespoke and, of course, inspirational support in just the right place at exactly the right time

Or, in the words of BWMAT again:

"Their approach is thoughtful and tailored, with a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities within MATs. They work in partnership, not just as providers but as collaborators who listen, adapt, and deliver."

And that makes us very happy, as that is exactly what we going for.

If you would like to explore how we can support the work you are doing in your faith-based Trust, no matter how large or small, then please get in touch for a free no-obligation chat with us on 01267 211432 or drop us an email.

Your first port of call will be with Dave Harris (pictured here), an experienced and respected former headteacher with experience in all phases of education.

He will work to understand exactly what it is you might need, how your values resonate with our values, and how we can help you in your faith-based mission.

This is what he has been doing for BWMAT and they know they can pick up the phone and talk things through with him any time.

It is this personal, tailored and values-driven approach that makes such a relationship so useful – saving time, hassle and money in the process. 

So, let's leave the last work with our friends at BWMAT:

"Their flexibility, professionalism, and passion for education make them a trusted partner, and I would encourage other Trusts to explore the many ways Independent Thinking can support your work."