I don’t know about you, but I can’t believe there is only a handful of ‘sleeps’ - as I hear headteachers say - until our schools all finish for what I’m sure will be a welcome break for everyone. What a joy and privilege it is each year to see how everyone is so completely engaged in preparing for Christ’s birth. The advent masses and nativities this year have been wonderful. A huge thank you to teachers, TAs, support staff, parents and carers, governors, the whole of schools' communities - well done! A key task for the Trust Board each autumn is to consider the external auditors view of our annual accounts, financial statements and provide a management letter. I’m delighted that the external auditors found no significant issues and we will be considering a clear management letter at the Board meeting. Thank you to the whole range of colleagues in our finance and business teams for their essential contributions to the process. With the autumn budget announcements, a schools white paper expected early in the new year, the new Ofsted inspection framework roll-out, and the next budget cycle to start there is a lot for directors to discuss, and we will be looking to ensure our schools, and Local Governing Committees are well briefed and engaged in discussions, too. As we welcome that break that is edging closer, and on behalf of my colleague DCET directors, I wish all of you a peaceful Christmas and successful 2026. Warmest wishes Catherine Christie Trust Board Chair of Directors
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