School and trust leaders from across the region gathered in Colchester last week for a regional education conference focused on leadership, inclusion and improving outcomes for children.
The MATNetworks Regional Network event, held at Colchester Rugby Club, was delivered in partnership with The Diocese of Chelmsford Vine Schools Trust and chaired by the Trust’s CEO, Emma Wigmore.
The day opened with a performance from the Great Clacton Children’s Choir, followed by a pupil voice session titled Why School Matters to Me. The opening placed children at the heart of the event before leaders moved into a day of keynote sessions, discussion and shared learning.
More than 40 education leaders, professionals and partners attended the event, which brought leaders together to explore practical responses to the pressures and priorities facing schools and families today. Sessions covered inclusion, SEND, school improvement, financial literacy, social action, pupil voice and empowered leaders.
Emma Wigmore, CEO of The Diocese of Chelmsford Vine Schools Trust, delivered the opening keynote, Empowering All To Flourish, sharing The Vine Schools Trust’s transformation journey and the role that values-led leadership, collaboration and culture have played in strengthening schools across the Trust.
Speaking after the event, Emma said: “It was wonderful to see so many leaders in education come together to share, learn and flourish.
“When we work together and share learning, we create better opportunities for our teaching colleagues, our schools and, most importantly, our children. The energy in the room reflected the commitment and passion that exists across our sector, and it was a privilege to chair a day focused so clearly on purpose, inclusion and the future of education.”
The event included contributions from education speakers and sector partners, with sessions designed to give leaders practical insight, fresh thinking and opportunities to connect with others working through similar challenges.
Lucy Clarke, Co-founder of MATNetworks and the EmpowerED Schools Community, said: “The musical performance and pupil voice sessions gave the day such a powerful and moving start. Hearing from these children reminded everyone in the room why these conversations matter.
“This event was about bringing leaders together to make space for honest discussion, shared learning and practical ideas. There was a real sense of community in the room, and a shared commitment to creating schools where every young person can flourish.”
The Colchester event formed part of the MATNetworks regional programme, designed to bring together trust leaders, school leaders and aspiring leaders to build local networks of support, share best practice and strengthen education across communities.
25th September Ipswich, organised with Tracey Caffull, CEO Diocese of Chelmsford Vine Schools Trust
2nd October – South East 2nd October – South East Basildon organised with Catherine Stalham, South Essex Academy Trust
15th October – Hull organised with Sarah Whitely, CEO, Horizons Academy Trust
4th November – West Midlands – Shrewsbury organised with Carla Whelan, CEO, Empower Trust
11th November – East Midlands – Derby organised with Kathy Hardy, Affinity Learning Partnership
4th December – Kent,organised with Lorna Hamilton, CEO, Primary First Trust
4th February 2027 – Basildon organised with Catherine Stalham, South Essex Academy Trust
If you would like to host an event, exhibit or get involved please just contact Lucy@matnetworks.org.
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