The Special Partnership Trust is growing steadily and purposefully – expanding its reach through the development of Free Schools, sponsorship of schools, and a robust outreach programme. Every step is guided by our embedded vision, values, and ethos, ensuring quality and consistency across all settings.

We recognise the capacity required to deliver meaningful school improvement and development, and we’re committed to meeting the expectations of our partners and stakeholders through strategic collaboration and operational excellence.

Strategic Partnerships

We work closely with:

• Local Authorities across Cornwall, Plymouth, and Devon.
• Multi-Academy Trust networks.
• National organisations, including the Confederation of School Trusts, SWALLs, and the Network of SEN/AP CEOs.

Key partnerships include:

• Enable Trust & Delta Education Trust: A formal collaboration providing leadership, governance, curriculum expertise, and capacity for project development and delivery.
• Magdalen Court School: SPT provides support in education, safeguarding, finance, behaviour, and governance.
• Three Ways School: A 1.5-year equal partnership focused on SEND growth, infrastructure, and school improvement.

We are also proud members of the Cornwall Academy Chief Executives (CACE) group, advocating for SEN and supporting practitioners across the region.

Growth Strategy

Our growth is carefully planned to meet local needs, respond to emerging challenges, and support schools seeking improvement or partnership.

^{Growth to Meet Local Need}

• Bosvena School (Bodmin, opened 2025): Specialist SEMH provision for ages 5–16.
• Castlebridge School (Ivybridge, opening 2026): Specialist academic provision with a strong PSHE curriculum.

^{Sponsoring Schools Needing Support}

• Orchard Manor (joined 2021)
• Brunel (joined 2023)
• Millwater School (joined Autumn 2024)

Each has benefited from our school improvement model and specialist support.

^{Partnering with ‘Good’ Schools}

We collaborate with high-performing schools to share best practice and raise standards:

• Three Ways (Bath)
• Magdalen Court (Devon)
• Cardrew Court (Cornwall)

Outreach & System Leadership

We champion inclusive education and equip staff to meet diverse needs through:

• CPD Programmes: Delivered by expert practitioners with practical, flexible support.
• Specialist Information Advice and Guidance (SIAG): A funded model supporting mainstream schools with inclusive practices and Quality First Teaching.
• Bespoke Outreach: Tailored support for individual pupils and staff across mainstream and specialist settings.

Our outreach is designed to:

• Enhance staff skills and confidence
• Deliver targeted interventions
• ​​​​​​​Drive system-wide improvement through sustainable, funded models

We are building long-term partnerships with MATs and Local Authorities to support SEN services and create lasting impact.

School Improvement & Infrastructure

We’ve developed a robust school improvement model that includes:

• Continuous professional development
• Capacity building across the Trust
• ​​​​​​​A clear quality assurance framework

Our Specialist Intervention Therapeutic Team works with therapists and professionals to deliver individualised support and upskill staff. This model will be extended to new schools and shared with mainstream colleagues.

Our Recruitment, Reward & Retention Strategy ensures we attract and retain high-quality staff through:

• Excellent working environments
• Leadership and coaching qualifications
• ​​​​​​​Ongoing professional development