Championing inclusion and overcoming disadvantage at the inaugural whole-staff WMAT conference
On Friday 24 October 2025, more than 500 colleagues from across West Midlands Academy Trust came together for the WMAT Trust Conference, the inaugural whole-staff event focused on Inclusion and Overcoming Disadvantage.
Opening Remarks and Key Announcements
Nicola Raggett, WMAT CEO and Headteacher at Kings Norton Girls’ School, opened the conference by welcoming staff. She reflected on the Trust’s achievements in its first ten months since forming in January 2025.
In addition, Nicola introduced new Specialist Leader in Education opportunities for both teaching and support staff. This marks an exciting step forward in professional development across WMAT.
CEO Nicola Raggett speaking at the West Midlands Trust Conference 2025Workshops and Learning Opportunities
The day featured 50 workshops delivered across 150 sessions. These were led by colleagues from across the Trust alongside external facilitators.
As a result, staff had opportunities for discussion, learning, and skill-building — reinforcing the Trust’s commitment to excellence and professional growth.
Inspiring Keynote Speakers
Our keynote speakers brought powerful insights and inspiration throughout the day:
- Darren Edwards, disabled adventurer and founder of Redefining Impossible, shared his remarkable journey of resilience and leadership following a life-changing spinal cord injury. His stories, from kayaking the length of Britain to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, challenged perceptions of disability and celebrated inclusion.
- Leora Cruddas CBE, Chief Executive of the Confederation of School Trusts (CST), explored strategies for inclusive education and collaborative leadership. She focused on how we can work together to overcome disadvantage across the school system.
- Jonny Wathen, CIO at Transformative, introduced practical ways to harness digital tools and AI in education. His session helped staff unlock the potential of emerging technologies to enhance teaching and learning.
Looking Ahead
Conference 2025 marked a significant milestone for WMAT. It was a day of shared purpose, professional growth, and a reaffirmed commitment to ensuring every child thrives.
The Trust will continue to build on this momentum as we continue to achieve more together through our shared values of Integrity, Collaboration, Aspiration, Respect, and Equity & Inclusion.
Evidence of this impact can already be seen, as highlighted in our first Trust Parent Newsletter – a reflection of the progress we are making across all WMAT schools.
Find out more about WMAT’s vision and governance structure by exploring the WMAT website, as well as following us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
