Stephen Mitchell

Really super proud that we’ve got this to launch 👏

MATCPD is great, live, training across a range of areas for leaders in schools and trusts.

Check it out, and share the links, please!

Always good to step away, however shortly, from the day to day. Gives a sense of perspective, and helps solidify the mind on what you want to achieve when you get back

But also, it was really nice to see a place cared for, with working facilities and communal spaces. The tennis (the reason for being here) was good,- Carlos Alcaraz really is a bit of a decent player 🎾, and the food throughout was epic.

And so, just like that, a few days away has come to a close:

💵 Yes, it is ludicrously expensive.
🏎️ Yes, it’s a bit of a mess as they’re setting up the barriers for the Grand Prix.
🏨 Yes, staying at the Fairmont meant we got to see the hairpin corner and the tunnel on both sides of the hotel.

So, turns out you don’t need to go the casino in Monaco to lose all of your money.

Just being here does that. €18 for a beer. 🍺 €50 for a pizza 🍕 And the hotel car park? Well, that’s as bonkers as you’d expect.

The tennis yesterday was good though! 🎾

If you’ve got insights to share and want to be part of something built for the sector, by the sector — I’d love to hear from you.

📩 Want to know more? Submit your details at the link
forms.office.com/e/TCJb5mAVsS

Right now, I’m looking to connect with passionate professionals who bring deep sector experience in:

📌 School/trust leadership
📌 HR
📌 Finance
📌 Governance
📌 Safeguarding

👀 Something new (and exciting) is on the way…

If you lead, manage, or drive change in schools or trusts — this is for you.

We’ve been building something with your role in mind.

It’s practical. It’s relevant. And it’s shaped by people who’ve walked in your shoes.

That Monday feeling…..

Find out how we @keystoneknowledge.com can help your MAT at keystoneknowledge.com

When you need that spring in your step….

Just back from a few days in Norway 🇳🇴. A glimpse of the northern lights, but mostly snow, and family fun

Keystone Knowledge Support for the management and leadership of schools and trusts

📲 At Keystone Knowledge, we specialise in tailored HR strategies that put people first. Ready to transform your school’s HR approach?

🔗 Learn more: keystoneknowledge.com

💬 What’s your school’s biggest HR challenge? Let’s discuss 👇

#SchoolLeadership #HRinEducation #MATs #KeystoneKnowledge

💡 Quick HR Tips:
✔️ Survey staff to understand their challenges and priorities.
✔️ Ensure your HR policies reflect your school’s mission.
✔️ Focus on wellbeing—small actions can make a big difference.
✔️ Find shared values, the golden thread across your team,- it’s dynamic and change over time

🏫 A Real Example:
We helped a trust struggling with high staff turnover by:
✅ Developing a wellbeing strategy to boost morale.
✅ Streamlining recruitment to attract top talent.
✅ Introducing clear CPD plans for all staff.

The result? Happier, more committed teams! 🎉

3️⃣ Invest in Development
Professional development shouldn’t be an afterthought. When staff feel valued and see opportunities for growth, they stay longer and achieve more. 🚀

2️⃣ Recruit Right
Attracting the best talent starts with clarity:
• What makes your school an exciting place to work?
• Do your job ads reflect your values and culture?

Great recruitment = great teams.

1️⃣ Prioritise Wellbeing
Burnout is real in education. Schools that focus on staff wellbeing see better retention, morale, and performance.

Wellbeing isn’t a perk—it’s essential. 💙

💡 HR in Education: Building People-Centered Schools 👩‍🏫👨‍🏫
A strong HR strategy is the backbone of thriving schools and MATs. It’s about more than policies—it’s about people.

Let’s explore how HR can empower staff, boost retention, and create great schools 👇

#EducationHR #PeopleFirst #MATs

Keystone Knowledge Support for the management and leadership of schools and trusts

📲 At Keystone Knowledge, we specialise in tailored financial strategies for schools and trusts.

🔗 Learn more: keystoneknowledge.com

💬 What’s your biggest financial challenge? Let’s discuss below 👇

#SchoolLeadership #MATs #EducationFinance #KeystoneKnowledge

💡 Quick Tips for School Leaders:
✔️ Review budgets regularly—align every pound with your goals.
✔️ Train your finance teams in strategic planning.
✔️ Forecast to anticipate challenges and opportunities.

🏫 A Real Example:
We worked with a trust struggling with deficits. Here’s what we did:
✅ Found cost efficiencies without cutting teaching quality.
✅ Introduced KPIs to track financial progress.
✅ Built a 5-year financial plan.

Result? Deficit to surplus in 2 years! 💪

3️⃣ Build Resilience
Strategic planning helps you weather economic challenges without sacrificing educational quality. Resilient finances = resilient schools.

2️⃣ Forecast for the Future
Use financial modeling to predict risks and opportunities. A well-prepared school is a thriving school, ready for whatever comes next.

1️⃣ Budget with Purpose
Every pound spent should align with your school’s mission. When finances are tied to clear goals, they drive better outcomes for staff and students.

💡 Financial Management in Education: From Compliance to Strategy 💰
Schools can’t just balance the books anymore—they need proactive financial strategies to thrive in today’s challenging landscape. Let’s break down how to make the shift 👇

#EducationFinance #StrategicPlanning #MATs

Yep. Agree the insular approach some take is not great.

There’s definitely something in smaller trusts acting more competitively than larger ones, perhaps natural when focussing on numbers. Larger trusts seem to have a more natural confidence about who they are. In some ways, money talks…..

Agree it’s not uniform. But it kind of proves my point. It’s people and philosophy that matters, not the legal structure of the schools

There’s not in academies either. Yes, collaboration can be really tight within a MAT, but the best trusts I know encourage their schools to collaborate with whoever, if it is to the benefit of children. Collaboration not competition. It’s the way forward

It’s a mindset, not a structure

I was away with work the other day, and got a message from my wife that was positively gleeful “Heating is on!” Knowing I couldn’t do anything about it!

If there is a better doughnut company out there, I’m yet to taste it. But, I’m willing to do the research.