Working within the Trust has afforded me numerous opportunities that I would not have had access to under usual circumstances. Operating across both Primary and Secondary schools has given me a far better understanding of the working of all Key Stages, and the different pulls and pressures that Primary colleagues face as opposed to Secondary.

…The experience I have gained from my role within the Trust I believe played a large part in me being successful in my application to become Deputy Head at The Ongar Academy.

Chris Abrey – Deputy Head, The Ongar Academy

Bridge Academy Trust offers every opportunity for staff to develop and progress professionally. Currently holding a position as a middle leader, the Trust has provided me with the platform to broaden my professional CV through a role as Character Education Lead over the last academic year. Recently, I was successful in becoming Lead Practitioner (Secondary Provision) across the two secondary schools in the Trust. This new role is the ideal next step for my career development and really demonstrates how keen the Trust is to develop and nurture its own!

Jon Alford – Lead Practitioner Secondary Provision

Being a part of the Bridge Academy Trust has had such a positive impact on my role as Deputy Headteacher. From the beginning, I have been treated as a valued member of the team and have been offered exceptional opportunities to develop and progress- from having 1:1 coaching sessions in my first term, to forming review panels to support our other schools. Within well-structured hubs, I have had access to high- quality networking and exceptional CPD sessions to further develop my working practice. Through working in the Trust for a few years now, I admire how present they are in the different schools whilst still encouraging originality and freedom to ensure that each school is unique to its setting and community.

Hannah - Deputy Headteacher, Chipping Ongar Primary

Working within Bridge Academy Trust, as an Excellence Lead, has been an exciting and unique opportunity to develop understanding of how different schools, staff and Key Stages operate. Within my role, I visit and collaborate with the 4 secondary schools, share best practice between the schools and contribute to the development of the science departments. I feel very lucky to be working within the Trust, my role has provided me with the opportunity to join a three-year pathway to become part of the Senior Leadership Team. This is a unique opportunity which shows the commitment of the Trust to supporting and developing its own staff.

Beth Pett - Excellence Lead

Since joining Bridge Academy Trust I have had numerous opportunities to develop professionally; In September 2022 I was appointed as Excellence Leader for Design and Technology, in January 2023 I was appointed as a staff governor, and I am about to complete a National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership. The knowledge, skills and understanding I have and continue to gain from these experiences is invaluable. The Trust support me in my key role as a Curriculum Leader, they also recognise that I have interests in other areas of education such moderating and supervising a team of moderators for a GCSE exam board. Bridge Academy Trust encourage a collaborative approach and offer many opportunities for staff to forge partnerships, share good practice and celebrate their students and each other’s achievements.

Jenny Gerrard
Curriculum Leader for Art and Technology, The Ramsey Academy
Technology Excellence Lead, Bridge Academy Trust

As Excellence Leader for PSHE, I have had the unique opportunity to work with schools across the trust to develop and improve the RSE curriculum and its delivery. This role has given me the chance to work with colleagues at all stages of their teaching careers, including delivering training on PSHE to the Mid Essex ITT trainee teachers and to staff from all schools at a Trust Conference day. Working across the four different secondary schools, I have a far greater understanding of the range of student needs across the Trust and how to support colleagues. It has also allowed me to develop both my coaching and leadership skills. This experience has been invaluable to me as a member of staff who has worked for the school for many years!

Michelle Robb - Excellence Lead for PSHE