Case Studies
Lauren Walker, HR Apprentice
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Chris Tooley, Principal at The Netherhall School
A Principal’s Commitment to Driving Innovation and Impact
“My teaching career began in the 1990s, driven by a fascination with science. In 1999, I became one of the country’s first Advanced Skills Teachers, focusing on metacognition within science education. My interest in understanding how learning works led me to author several books on primary and secondary science.
“Growing up on a council estate, I experienced firsthand how education can transform lives. This experience shaped my belief that no one’s background should define their future. It inspired me to pursue a career devoted to creating inclusive, comprehensive educational environments where all pupils can thrive. The Trust’s emphasis on individuality is one of its greatest strengths. Each school is supported to maintain its unique identity, ensuring education remains relevant and meaningful to the local communities we serve.
“Anglian Learning empowers leaders to innovate by providing autonomy to implement creative solutions tailored to each school’s needs. For instance, we launched ALVIN, Anglian Learning’s virtual classroom, to ensure pupils with medical needs can continue their education without disruption. This initiative has since been successfully rolled out to support pupils across the Trust.
“Three years ago, we developed the I3 Parent Hub, a community initiative designed to support families across Cambridgeshire. The Hub provides a range of services, including activities like Premier League Kicks, counselling, holiday clubs, parenting classes, and SEND support. This initiative reflects our vision that education should extend beyond the classroom. Conceived and implemented by colleagues at The Netherhall School, the I3 Parent Hub addresses mental health challenges, reduces educational inequalities, and encourages a sense of belonging among families. The Hub’s success is a testament to our team’s dedication and understanding of local needs.
“We dedicate significant effort to understanding our pupils, their families, and the wider community. As a multicultural school, we celebrate diversity through events like our Evening of Dance, Arts Festival, and Festival of Nations, where pupils proudly represent their heritage.
“Our curriculum takes a global perspective, decolonising traditional approaches to reflect the diverse cultures within our community. By promoting global citizenship, we honour the rich tapestry of our pupils’ backgrounds. This approach goes beyond inclusion, it cultivates a deep understanding of cultural traditions, such as Ramadan, and celebrates the cultures of our families. By building awareness, we prepare pupils to thrive in an interconnected world.
“While academic achievement is important, I believe true education focuses on developing the whole person. At The Netherhall School, we nurture character, build self-confidence, and create a lifelong love of learning. By practising unconditional positive regard, we address behavioural concerns through education rather than punishment.
“For me, leadership is about making every interaction count. As a principal, I have the privilege of daily contact with staff, pupils, and the community. Each encounter offers an opportunity to encourage, build connections, and reinforce shared values. It is a role I cherish and value deeply.”
Jayne Hore, Deputy Headteacher
“The Trust is forward-thinking and conducts up-to-date research to inform its practices. Anglian Learning has a clear vision for progress, which helps schools like Stapleford Community Primary School to focus on the right priorities.
Since joining, I have embarked on several inspirational training programmes. I recently enjoyed a powerful session on diversity which challenged our perspectives and sparked important conversations amongst everyone who took part. This is what makes the Trust so great; we are able to work collaboratively, sharing best practices and learning from one another.
Inclusivity is a Core Value of Anglian Learning which resonates with me. In my role, I often work with vulnerable children, so it is rewarding to see this prioritised throughout the Trust. Training sessions, like the recent one on diversity, further reinforce these important values and provide us with the tools to create an inclusive environment for all pupils.
The Trust has been instrumental in helping me to complete my NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship), to gain the skills I needed for leadership. Anglian Learning provided me with dedicated time and resources to address any areas where I felt less confident and helped me to connect with like-minded people.”
