‘If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader’.

John Quincy Adams

The link between good character and leadership, perhaps disparate, but seemingly complementary concepts is essential; leadership without good character is flawed and can be exploited, whereas positive leadership behaviour is character education in action, which acknowledges that educators can help the young develop leadership and build character at the same time.

In each of our academies a strong academic programme is entwined with development in leadership, in the knowledge that students of today, entering the workforce of tomorrow will be performing work that requires more focus on new social relationships, novel challenges and the synthesis of big picture scenarios. The growing of character through leadership education is viewed as essential to the core business of our schools.

Character education is therefore the very essence of leadership in that behaviour and attitudes shape a person’s character.  However, leadership courses on their own will only teach skills, there needs to be the teaching of character whole school, in order for that vision to be brought to life. By continually offering young people the opportunity to lead we allow them to develop greater personal drive and increase their determination to succeed. Team playing, risk taking and developing strategies to positively influence others are all character strengths we seek to encourage.

The Trust has a firm belief that, through its leadership programmes, we can create moments when our staff and students can see and believe in themselves as never before and to translate such moments into lessons on their journey to a successful life.