An Inspiring Visit: Lord Laidlaw Connects with LST Academies

Last week, our community was thrilled to welcome our founder, Lord Laidlaw, as he toured three of our Academies and shared his invaluable insights during a special Q&A session at our 'Extraordinary Us' event. His visit underscored the transformative journey our Academies are on, with technology, leadership, and personalised learning at the forefront.

During his time at Westgate Hill Academy, Lord Laidlaw connected with Paul Tullock, our Executive Lead for EdTech and Innovation. Together, they highlighted the significant impact of the 1:1 iPad initiative, where every Year 5 and 6 student benefits from a personal device. This initiative has proven to be a game-changer, enabling students to personalise their learning journeys and access educational resources more easily. Recognising the success of this program, Lord Laidlaw announced a remarkable investment of £1.8 million from the Laidlaw Foundation, ensuring that every LST student will have access to an iPad. This substantial commitment promises to open doors and accelerate learning for all.

At Excelsior Academy, Lord Laidlaw was introduced to our new Principal, Paula Hegarty. Here, he witnessed the incredible strides made by students in the Engage provision in their reading abilities, a testament to the dedication of our reading tutors and guidance from LST’s Director of English, Tallyia Charalambous. These initiatives underscore our commitment to nurturing confident, well-rounded learners.

Lord Laidlaw’s visit continued to Academy 360, where he was warmly welcomed by Principal David Amos. At Academy 360, he was particularly impressed by the transformation of the Early Years provision. What were once grey, uninspiring spaces have been revitalised into vibrant green areas, creating an inviting and stimulating environment for our youngest learners. This effort aligns with our vision to make every corner of our Academies a place where students feel inspired and motivated to explore.

The week culminated with an extraordinary Q&A session attended by over 800 LST staff and Governors at the 'Extraordinary Us' event, where Lord Laidlaw, joined by Susanna Kempe, shared his journey to success and his vision for the future of education. Key insights from this session included:

• The Role of Technology: Lord Laidlaw emphasised the critical importance of embracing technology. "If we don’t stay on board with technological advancements, we’ll get left behind," he warned. For LST pupils, access to cutting-edge tech is essential, and they must be equipped with the skills needed to unlock the vast opportunities that await them in a digital-first world.

• Skill Development in Tech and AI: As the world increasingly embraces AI and digital innovation, Lord Laidlaw spoke passionately about ensuring LST students are well-versed in IT, software, and tech skills. "Our mission to bridge the education gap must include a strong foundation in technology," he asserted, underscoring the Foundation's commitment to preparing students for the evolving workforce.

• Empowering Leaders: Trusting in the expertise of our Academy leaders is crucial. Lord Laidlaw highlighted the importance of granting Principals the freedom to tailor their educational approaches to best serve their students and communities, without fear of restrictive oversight. This flexibility empowers our leaders to innovate and respond dynamically to the unique needs of their schools.

• A Thoughtful Approach to Entrepreneurship: Lord Laidlaw advised against rushing into entrepreneurial endeavours. Instead, he encouraged students to first gain experience in the workforce, build their expertise, and explore entrepreneurship only if it becomes a true passion. "Successful entrepreneurship demands genuine interest, passion, and resilience," he noted, calling on Academy leaders to support students in finding paths that align with their strengths and ambitions.

The event was a memorable opportunity for our staff and Governors to reflect on the impactful role they play in shaping future generations. Lord Laidlaw’s vision and continued support inspire us to reach higher and dream bigger, as we work collectively to create a brighter future for all LST pupils.