Welcome from Gary Smith, CEO

Our Trust comprises two secondary academies: The Basildon Lower Academy and The Basildon Upper Academy. Together, they provide a distinctive educational model, with the Lower Academy specialising in Key Stage 3 education and the Upper Academy focusing on Key Stages 4 and 5, ensuring tailored support and expertise at every stage of a young person's journey.

Basildon Academies Trust is an ambitious and growing organisation. Since 2020, student numbers and staffing have increased significantly, reflecting the success of our schools and the confidence that families place in our provision. Supported by more than £7 million of Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) investment, we have transformed our estate through enhanced learning environments, specialist facilities, and modern educational spaces that support high-quality teaching and learning.

At the heart of our work is a commitment to ensuring that every young person can achieve Success Beyond Circumstance. We believe that background should never determine future success, and we are dedicated to raising aspirations, removing barriers to achievement, and creating opportunities for every learner to thrive.

Our improvement strategy is built around three core principles: Great Teaching, A Culture for Learning, and Being Here Every Day. Through high-quality teaching, strong relationships, inclusive practice, and early intervention, we create environments where students feel safe, valued, and motivated to succeed.

Inclusion is fundamental to who we are. We have invested significantly in specialist provision through Engage, our enhanced provision centre; Bridge, our SEND provision centres; and Evolve, a Local Authority-funded partnership that provides cross-phase support for vulnerable young people across the wider community. These provisions exemplify our determination to ensure that every learner receives the support they need to achieve their full potential.

We also recognise that exceptional schools are built by exceptional people. We invest heavily in professional development, leadership growth, and staff wellbeing, fostering a culture of continuous improvement across the Trust.

Partnership is central to our success. We work closely with families, governors, local authorities, businesses, and community organisations to ensure that our young people develop the knowledge, skills, character, and confidence needed to succeed in education, employment, and life. External reviews and challenge partners further support our commitment to continual improvement and accountability.

Strong governance underpins our work. Our experienced Board of Trustees, supported by dedicated Local Governing Bodies, provides strategic oversight, challenge, and support, ensuring that our academies remain focused on delivering the very best outcomes for the communities we serve.

Whilst we are proud of what has been achieved, we remain ambitious for the future. We continue to grow, innovate, and strengthen our provision, always with the goal of improving life chances for the young people entrusted to our care.

Thank you for your interest in Basildon Academies Trust. We look forward to working with our students, families, staff, and partners as we continue our journey towards excellence.

Gary Smith
Chief Executive Officer
The Basildon Academies Trust