DDAT Mission Statement and Vision

For every child and young person to embrace “life in all its fullness” (John 10:10).

Our Vision for Derby Diocesan Academy Trust is to nurture and empower everyone to reach their fullest potential, supporting each other on this journey. Inspired by the teachings of Jesus Christ, we cultivate a vibrant learning community where children and young people flourish academically, emotionally, and spiritually. Our mission and vision flow from the Church of England’s vision for education, which emphasises the development of wisdom, knowledge, and skills; hope and aspiration; community and living well together; and dignity and respect. Together, as a community rooted in Christian faith and education, we embrace the abundant possibilities of “Life in all its fullness”.

Our Values

Inclusivity: Jesus showed that no one was excluded from the love of God. In John’s gospel he said: “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” (John 13:34-35) We offer life-giving love to every child and family, reflecting our belief in social justice and the importance of community. We focus on relationships and participation, fostering qualities that enable people to flourish together. Our actions embody our commitment to recognising the value and uniqueness of individuals, celebrating difference.

Integrity: Truth is not simply about knowledge and facts. Jesus said that when we follow his teachings, “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32 We are honest and trustworthy which we see as essential for personal growth and trust in our community. We behave ethically to support decision making and to ensure a sustainable future for all, remaining grounded in the Christian understanding of truth and righteousness.

Community: Jesus encouraged his followers to work together, with all our differences. “Two are better than one, because they have good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up the other; but woe to one who is alone and falls and does not have another to help.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 We build community, working together for the common good. Collaboration and mutual support are key to achieving our shared goals and enhancing our collective well-being. Our teamwork emphasises the qualities of character necessary for living well together.

Excellence: “Whatever your task, put yourselves into it, as done for the Lord and not for your masters.” Colossians 3:23 Whatever our strengths and weaknesses, we reach for the highest standards in all our endeavours. Jesus teaches his followers to be who God intends them to be and gives us hope that we can carry on when it is hard. We encourage all children and adults to pursue their best. Inspired by the Christian pursuit of excellence in all things, we delight in seeking wisdom and knowledge, developing confidence and talents in all areas of life. We champion the faithful commitment to do little things well.

Courage: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:19 Jesus travelled to Jerusalem, knowing that he would lay down his life for his friends. We are courageous and tenacious, grounded in the example of Jesus’ life to have faith and hope in the face of adversity. This determination includes enabling healing, repair, and renewal, and coping wisely when things go wrong.

Our Aims

• To promote excellence, equity and integrity in all that we do, so that our children and young people are well prepared to thrive in an ever-changing world.
• To foster a thriving educational environment where every stakeholder is empowered to excel and flourish.
• To create a network of schools that, grounded in collaboration, innovation and evidence-based practices, will be beacons of excellence, providing transformative opportunities for all.

How will we achieve our aims:

Harnessing Expertise: We leverage internal and external expertise and resources to inform our practices, ensuring that we remain at the forefront of educational innovation. Strategic partnerships enhance the quality of education we deliver, enriching our educational offerings with contemporary insights and advanced methodologies, guided by the Christian principles of seeking wisdom, knowledge, skills and understanding.

Professional Development: Every member of our staff team deserves the opportunity to grow and develop professionally. We provide comprehensive support and tailor professional development opportunities, enabling adults to reach their full potential and drive continuous improvement, fostering a culture of lifelong learning in line with the Christian commitment to personal growth and development.

School Improvement: All schools within our Trust are on an ongoing journey of improvement. Through bespoke, evidence-based school improvement plans tailored to each institution’s unique needs, we empower schools to reach their full potential and provide the highest quality learning experiences for all students. Our schools are dynamic, inclusive communities where everyone can flourish, reflecting the Christian call to build community, nurture and support one another through life-giving love.

Resource Management: We ensure that all schools have the necessary resources and funding to deliver a high-quality and sustainable learning environment. Trust-wide systems effectively target resources and manage risk, with funded plans to support needed investments, ensuring that every student learns in a well-resourced, safe, and respectful environment, rooted in the Christian values of stewardship and care for God’s creation.

Student Outcomes: Our goal is to prepare all children to achieve aspirational outcomes and embrace life in all its fullness. By instilling a love for learning, fostering courageous hope, and nurturing essential life skills, we empower our children and young people to thrive and make meaningful contributions to society; equipped with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to succeed in an ever-changing world. This commitment reflects the Christian aspiration for every individual to live a purposeful life, contributing positively to their community and the world around them.