On May 5th 2026, we went back to where BEST began, exactly ten years to the day on May 5th, 2016.

On that day, a group of people came together, and together they thought we could be more, be better, be kinder. So they determined a destination, a Mission: this mission was 'to grow the BEST in everyone' (Dr Alan Lee, CEO BEST)

We were delighted to welcome Members, Governors, Schools, BEST Central Team and Trust partners.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this fabulous Mission, Vision and Values Day held at Hitchin Priory. It was a special day of celebration, reflection and looking ahead.

All children are different, all staff are different and all school communities are different. BEST's high-autonomy model, with many different paths to our mission and many heroes on this journey, has improved the life chances of all the young people we serve.

Our team of BEST Principals were invited by Dr Alan Lee to describe their path towards our collective mission 'to grow the BEST in everyone', based on a single school image. It was a wonderful mix of heart warming memories and story telling. We look forward to sharing these in our upcoming anniversary edition of The Best of BEST.
Mrs Neely-Hayes joined BEST as the Principal of Castle Newnham in Bedford just 4 weeks ago and kindly shared her experience as a new Principal;

I felt an immediate shift to a collective focus. Every conversation started with "How can I help?" rather than "What do you need?"
I didn't just join a Trust; I found a home where the pursuit of excellence and the practice of compassion are one and the same. 

We were delighted to welcome Marie-Claire Bretherton, as our keynote speaker on the theme of hope and growth; what have we grown that is worth protecting, and what must we now grow intentionally? Marie-Claire delivered an inspiring and thought-provoking talk, which encouraged us to reflect on self awareness, stewardship and, crucially, the power of hope.

Like most journeys, we end up back where we started. As one 10-year period comes to an end, we come to the start of another. We are now in a really strong position to set a course for the next 10 years – the purpose of the Mission Vision and Values Day – to move forward and build, with confidence and hope, and celebrate 10 years of BEST.

'A great day celebrating 10 years of BEST and our wonderful leaders and their academies. Thanks to all who work with such dedication and commitment each day for all our young people.', Ilona Bond, Chair of Trustees BEST.