Spencer Headlines

Charles Haydn-Slater, Subject Lead for Philosophy, Religion and Ethics (PRE) at John Port Spencer Academy, has been named a finalist for Subject Lead of the Year at this year’s prestigious TES Schools Awards. This national event, held annually in London, honours the exceptional contributions of educators, schools, and trusts across the UK, shining a spotlight on those who go above and beyond in shaping the future of education.

Being shortlisted is a remarkable achievement - one that reflects both personal dedication and the collective effort of an entire department. For Charles, it's a moment of recognition not only for his innovative leadership in the classroom but also for the deeper vision he's championed: to make PRE a subject that’s relevant, inclusive, and transformative for students.

Ahead of the awards ceremony, we sat down with Charles to hear more about his journey - from his surprising career beginnings to his philosophy of teaching, his department’s evolution, and what this national recognition means to him and his school community...

After a lifelong career dedicated to supporting school communities through education catering, Tanya Flinders, Trust Catering Operations Manager, is retiring and bidding farewell to our schools.

Tanya has played a pivotal role in overseeing and developing catering services across the Trust, ensuring thousands of students received nutritious, high-quality meals every day. Her leadership and commitment have left a lasting impact on our schools, staff, and pupils alike. We sat down with Tanya as she reflected on her journey, the joys and challenges of her role, and what lies ahead in retirement…

We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible achievement of James Heppell, our Graphic Designer and Brand Manager at Spencer Academies Trust, who successfully completed the London Marathon to raise funds for our very own charity, Spencer Superstars, last weekend!

James took on the 26.2-mile challenge following months of dedication and training, crossing the finish line at 4 hours and 24 minutes!

Rosecliffe Spencer Academy have achieved a remarkable milestone by earning the prestigious Green Flag Eco School award with a distinction for ‘excellence in improving sustainability and environmental learning in our setting'. This recognition celebrates the school marking a significant achievement in their ongoing commitment to creating a greener future!

The Green Flag award is an internationally recognized accreditation that honours schools demonstrating their dedication to environmental awareness and sustainable practices. Rosecliffe’s success is a testament to the hard work and passion of both pupils and staff in integrating eco-friendly initiatives into everyday school life.

Over 600 educators and colleagues across our 19 primary academies came together this month for two enriching Primary Inset events, designed to foster collaboration and a shared sense of belonging across the Spencer Academies Trust. Hosted at Brackensdale Spencer Academy for Derby and Derbyshire schools and Portland Spencer Academy for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire schools, the events were a testament to the power of community in education. 

The theme of the day, ‘Belonging’, emphasised the importance of inclusive and supportive environments for both pupils and colleagues in our academies. Through an engaging program of keynote speakers, workshops, and real-life stories, the event reinforced the Trust’s values of Aspiration, Partnership, and Responsibility. 

In December, pupils at The Mease Spencer laced up their running shoes and took part in a fantastic Reindeer Run to support Treetops Hospice! With festive excitement in the air, every child put on their festive reindeer headband—generously provided by Treetops—and dashed around the playground, completing several laps with big smiles and boundless energy.