A SCHOOLS trust which includes Wilsden Primary has chalked up a milestone.

Focus-Trust has celebrated its 10th anniversary.

And to mark the birthday, specially-commissioned teddy bears were presented to each of the 15 primary schools that are now part of the organisation.

Clive Davies, a founding director and chair of the Focus-Trust board, says: "Ten years ago I made a decision which I believe is one of the best professional decisions I have ever taken. At the time, I was asked by heads of three schools to create a multi-academy trust so that they could be part of what has turned out to be a very special education community.

"I am delighted that over time the community has grown to 15 schools, with remarkable colleagues giving everything they have to our incredible children. We have been through some interesting times during the past decade, not least the pandemic, when the trust shared its Learning Together website with the wider education community.

"I can genuinely say that being part of Focus-Trust is a great privilege that I never take for granted. It has allowed me to work with some very talented and dedicated people, including our fantastic trustees.

"Thanks go to everyone for playing their part in the journey of the trust. It is just the first chapter, with many more to come.

"The anniversary marks a decade of trailblazing for Focus-Trust, which has paved the way for many school trusts, as the Government’s ambition is for every school in England to be in a multi-academy trust – or in the process of joining one – by 2030.

"We've been at the forefront of innovation and effective practice and recently the trust undertook a comprehensive job evaluation process, culminating in a new pay and grading structure in order that all 680 support staff receive fair and consistent pay across member schools in nine local authorities."

The trust's chief executive, Helen Rowland, said she was "incredibly proud and grateful" to have been part of the first ten years.

She added: "There have been many highlights, challenges and opportunities.

"By living out our values and working within our well-embedded culture of collective efficacy, we have seen many life-changing achievements for our children, colleagues and communities.

"I would like to extend a huge thanks to all those who have been involved across the journey and I'm very much looking forward to the years ahead."