Whole Trust Staff Inset Day 2025: “Give Yourself Permission to be Great”
Tuesday, 2nd September 2025 
On Monday, 1st September 2025, staff from across the Trust came together for this year’s Whole Trust Staff Inset Day.
The theme for 2025 was Give Yourself Permission to be Great, building on last year’s focus on Our Why. Giving yourself permission to be great means celebrating progress as much as outcomes. It means showing up with confidence, leading with integrity, and trusting that your daily efforts in classrooms, corridors, and conversations make a real difference. This year’s theme invited everyone to step into their potential, take ownership of their achievements, and recognise the positive impact they have in shaping lives.
We were delighted to welcome Diana Osagie, leadership coach, keynote speaker, author of Courageous Leadership, and founder of The Academy of Women’s Leadership, as our guest speaker. Diana inspired staff to embrace their strengths, lead with courage, and aim high for the year ahead.
Leverhulme VIP Awards 2025
We were also proud to announce the winners of this year’s Leverhulme Values In
Practice (VIP) Awards, our annual celebration of exceptional individuals across the Trust.
The Students First Award recognises individuals who have made a significant impact on the lives of others:
- Ben Hargrove, TA4, Lostock Primary School
- Boglarka Fercsi, EAL & Duke of Edinburgh Co-ordinator, Harper Green School
The High Expectations Award recognises those who consistently pursue excellence:
- Keira McPartlan, Head of Maths, Rivington & Blackrod High School
- Javeed Mitha, Second in Maths, Harper Green School
The Integrity Award recognises individuals who consistently demonstrate integrity in their actions and decisions:
- Salli Sigurnjak, School Business Manager, Lostock Primary School
- Vinny Patel, Pastoral Year Lead, Rivington & Blackrod High School
The Leverhulme Award recognises outstanding contributions across the Trust:
- Richard Pycroft, Trust IT Manager
- Colin Higham, Trustee
Thank you to all our VIP Award winners and to all our staff for making the day such a warm and inspiring start to the new academic year.
Click here to read more about our mission, vision and values.
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