Celebrating Our Trust at 10
September 2026 marks ten years of The 3-18 Education Trust, from the founding schools of Priory and St Martins in 2016 to our growing Shropshire-wide community of 14 schools today.
This year we celebrate Our Trust at 10 recognising ten years of collaboration, growth and shared ambition across our Trust and community of schools.
This is a significant milestone that we want to celebrate and share with our people, pupils, communities and collaborators.
Over the past ten years, our Trust has grown by collaborating with established communities, building new ones and bringing people together around a shared purpose.
The stories and experiences shared here reflect who we are, the difference we make, and how we move forward – together.
Marking our 10th anniversary year – what’s coming up?
Throughout the year, we will be using this page to share stories that reflect our journey, recognising the people who have shaped it and looking ahead to the future of our Trust.
- Stories of collaboration between our Trust, schools and communities
- Reflections and experiences from our people – those who have been here since the beginning or may have joined us more recently
- Highlights from our Trust staff conference on 2nd November
- Celebrations from our second Trust People Awards
- Our ambitious plans for the future
Working together. Making a difference.
For ten years, collaboration has been at the heart of our Trust community. From professional learning and curriculum development to specialist support and opportunities for children and young people, these stories show how working together helps us achieve more for our pupils, staff and communities.
“Our Trust has made a significant investment in developing the expertise and leadership capacity of staff across the school.”
Tom Larkham, Headteacher at Coleham Primary School in Shrewsbury, explains how Trust investment in professional development supports his staff. Tricia Storey, Assistant SENDCo
“Our pupils benefit from Trust collaboration by accessing alternative provision.”
Alison Pope, Headteacher at St Martins 3-16 School, explains how her pupils benefit from being able to access Trust-wide alternative provision. Pupils from St Martins
“We couldn’t have asked for better support from our Trust.”
Sam Aiston, Headteacher at Bowbrook Primary School in Shrewsbury, shares his experience of working with our Trust central team to establish a brand new school
“Our Trust has created valuable opportunities for staff to extend their impact beyond our own classrooms.”
Michael Penn, Headteacher at Bridgnorth Endowed School, reflects on the significance of Trust-wide opportunities for a small school. Teacher and students at Bridgnorth Endowed School
“Since becoming part of our Trust, we have developed our local school connections and secondary partnerships.”
Penny Lyall, Headteacher at Hodnet Primary School, talks about Trust-wide initiatives providing opportunities for students and staff alike. Children at Hodnet Primary School “Hodnet School
“The support of The 3-18 Education Trust has been transformational for William Brookes School and our wider community.”
Ruth Shaw, Headteacher at William Brookes School, reflects on how Trust support has protected resources for future generations of students. The new track at William
“Subject network groups epitomise the power of collaboration, and how we can support each other to work toward better outcomes for students and staff.”
Cal Knight, Headteacher at The Priory School, talks about the value of Trust-wide subject network groups. Teacher and students at Priory School “The opportunity to
“Being part of our Trust has enabled improvements John Wilkinson could not achieve alone.”
Rachel Howell-James, Headteacher at John Wilkinson Primary School and Nursery, explains the benefits of being part of our Trust for a small, semi-rural school. Pupils
“At Lakelands, we are really enjoying and appreciating the collaboration, support, relationship building, and shared culture of continuous improvement across schools.”
Mark Hignett, Headteacher at Lakelands Academy, shares how joining our Trust has benefited his staff. Teacher and student at Lakelands Academy “At Lakelands, we are
Our Trust story so far
The 3-18 Education Trust forms with Priory and St Martins schools
Coleham Primary School joins
Thomas Adams School & Sixth Form joins
William Brookes School joins
Our first Trust-wide conference
Much Wenlock Primary School & Nursery joins
Bowbrook Primary School opens its doors for the first time
Bridgnorth Endowed School joins
Hodnet Primary School joins
John Wilkinson Primary School & Nursery joins
Our Trust Belonging Framework launches
3-18 Inspiring Futures - our CPD offer launches
Lakelands Academy joins
Celebrating 10 years of The 3-18 Education Trust
Fields Multi-Academy Trust merges with our Trust
Latest news from our Trust
“A day to be proud of”: Celebrating ten years of collaboration, growth and ambition at our Trust conference
More than 130 pupils take part in first Trust-wide primary sports competition
£100,000 Swimming pool changing room transformation for Much Wenlock Leisure Centre at William Brookes School
Trust massed orchestra returns for third annual concert
The 3-18 Education Trust welcomes three new schools in tenth anniversary year
