Welcoming Great People:

Discover Your Ideal Work-Life Balance in South Warwickshire

If you're considering a move, you couldn't have chosen a more idyllic setting than South Warwickshire. Our region, home to The Stour Federation's five primary schools, offers a truly exceptional quality of life, blending the charm of rural England with easy access to cultural hubs.

Imagine working in our welcoming schools nestled within beautiful, historic villages like Shipston, Long Compton, Brailes, Kineton, and Wilmcote, all situated on the doorstep of the Cotswolds and just a stone's throw from the historic Stratford-upon-Avon. Our schools provide a nurturing and supportive environment, where you can truly make a difference in the lives of children.

Shipston-on-Stour, a gem within our region, was recently recognized by The Times as one of the best places to live in England, reflecting the area's undeniable appeal. You’ll find a vibrant community, charming local shops, and a delightful atmosphere.
Beyond the classroom, South Warwickshire offers a wealth of opportunities for relaxation and recreation. Explore the rolling hills of the Cotswolds with its picturesque villages and country pubs. Spend a weekend immersing yourself in the rich history and cultural offerings of Stratford-upon-Avon, home to Shakespeare's birthplace and the world-renowned Royal Shakespeare Company. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the scenic canals, or discover the hidden gems of our local towns.
For those seeking a taste of city life, Birmingham, a dynamic and diverse city, is within easy reach. Here, you can enjoy world-class theatre, music venues, art galleries, and a thriving culinary scene.

South Warwickshire boasts excellent transport links, making it easy to connect with the rest of the UK. Regular train services provide convenient access to London and other major cities. The region is also well-connected by road, and Birmingham Airport offers a wide range of domestic and international flights. Furthermore, the area is ideal for cycling and walking, with numerous scenic routes to explore.

At The Stour Federation, we believe in supporting our staff both professionally and personally. We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance, and we are committed to providing our teachers and teaching assistants with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

Come and experience the unique blend of rural tranquility and cultural richness that South Warwickshire has to offer. Join The Stour Federation and discover a place where you can truly live, work, and flourish.

What our Staff Say

"I joined the Stour Federation Trust to complete my PGCE teacher training, throughout which I was mentored by experienced, passionate teachers and leaders. Over the last 10 years, I’ve taught as a class teacher and have been continually supported and inspired. The ongoing professional development (CPD) that all staff are offered is exceptional, both within the Trust and from other professional bodies. I find the Trust encourages staff to operate with synergy, celebrating the strengths of individuals and schools. Leaders are conscious of workload while being forward-thinking and innovative. The wealth of opportunities provided has empowered me to grow both professionally and personally, ultimately shaping how I work in my role as Trust Improvement Leader. It is a pleasure to work with ambitious, proactive colleagues and families in a fast-paced, nurturing environment."

"I’m excited to have recently started at the Stour Federation and am truly grateful for the warm welcome I’ve received. The staff have been incredibly supportive, helping me settle in, and I have felt part of the team right from the start. I’m also appreciative of the trust’s strong support, which has made my transition smooth and enjoyable, and I look forward to contributing to this positive and nurturing environment."

Growing Great People

The challenge for all staff within our Academy Trust is to always improve, to always get better; to continually grow as great teachers. They all see themselves as learners; empowered to make decisions, to be collaborative, to lead and to grow. The quality of teaching throughout our school is of paramount importance, and we view our staff as our greatest assets. Our professional growth processes exist to ensure that all our staff are able to be the very best they can be, leading to every child being able to reach the highest possible standards.

We want to help and support our teachers, teaching assistants, office staff and school leaders to become the very best version of themselves so that our children benefit from the best possible provision. We also want to ensure that our staff feel able to take the next steps in their career, but we also wish to create a culture within our Trust that encourages them to stay and grow with us.

Professional growth within our school has several purposes:

• To build and enhance expertise, and secure continuous growth and improvement.
• To enable reflection on strengths and successes, and areas for further growth.
• To recognise and promote a culture of professionalism.

Effective professional development is an essential part of securing effective performance. It requires both an individual desire and willingness to continually develop and a shared commitment from our staff to support and collaborate with one another. This policy is designed to change the way we view accountability and continuous professional development. Professional growth within our school is ‘done by’ our staff, not ‘done to’ them. Within our school we have high aspirations for ourselves; a belief and pride that we can be the very best, driven by a sense of moral purpose and a desire to continuously grow and improve. We regard ‘Growing Great People’ as a key driver not only for staff development and school improvement, but also for recruitment, retention, and wellbeing.

The Stour Federation Way: 10 Principles for Continuous Improvement and Respect for People 

The Stour Federation Way outlines our 10 guiding principles for continuous improvement and mutual respect. These principles help us achieve our aim of everyone learning, growing, and succeeding together:

1. Plan for the Future: Making long-term decisions that benefit everyone and building strong relationships.

2. Connect People and Processes: Designing work to flow smoothly, improving productivity and morale.

3. Balance the Workload: Working at a steady pace, removing unnecessary tasks, and prioritising what truly matters.

4. Standardise Our Work: Striving for consistent, repeatable methods as a foundation for continuous improvement and innovation.

5. Build in Quality: Prioritising quality, checking work effectively, valuing feedback, and quickly addressing problems.

6. Use Technology Wisely: Utilising technology to support people and processes, not just for the sake of newness.

7. Develop Strong Leaders: Growing leaders from within who are role models, mentors, and coaches, building a culture of trust and accountability.

8. Work with Our Partners: Treating all partners (parents, supply staff, external professionals) as part of our team, seeking mutual benefit.

9. Observe and Learn: Solving problems scientifically by being curious, observing firsthand, and taking responsibility.

10. Align Our Goals: Ensuring clear direction by aligning goals at all levels and regularly reviewing work for improvement.