Canonium Learning Trust

Today, leaders from across Canonium Learning Trust came together at The Lion Inn, Boreham, for our annual Leadership Day.

The morning focused on one of the most important responsibilities of school leadership: safeguarding. Led by safeguarding specialist Andrew Hall, discussions explored current safeguarding priorities, with a particular focus on the opportunities and risks presented by artificial intelligence. As AI continues to develop at pace, school leaders must understand the implications for child protection, online safety, staff conduct and governance. The session provided valuable insight into how schools can respond proactively whilst embracing innovation responsibly.

In the afternoon, our attention turned to teaching and learning through WalkThrus. Leaders explored how evidence-informed approaches can support high-quality classroom practice, strengthen professional development and help ensure that improvement is sustained over time. The discussions were practical, reflective and firmly focused on securing the best possible outcomes for children.

We also heard from Amy Dennis, Headteacher of Woodham Walter CofE Primary Academy, who shared the impact that iSingPOP has had within her school community. Her reflections highlighted how music and performance can build confidence, strengthen community engagement and create memorable opportunities for children to flourish both in and beyond the classroom.

The day concluded with a session led by Martin Hawrylak exploring self-evaluation through the lens of the Ofsted framework. The discussion encouraged leaders to reflect critically on their schools' strengths and priorities, ensuring that self-evaluation remains an honest, evidence-informed process that drives continuous improvement and ultimately benefits pupils.

What stood out throughout the day was the strength of collaboration across our Trust. Bringing leaders together creates opportunities to share expertise, challenge thinking and learn from one another. These conversations help ensure that no school works in isolation and that every school benefits from the collective knowledge and experience of the wider Canonium family.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to another excellent Leadership Day and to our Trust leaders who continue to demonstrate a shared commitment to excellence, continuous improvement and giving every child the very best education possible.

One of the strengths of being part of a family of schools is the opportunity to share expertise across the Trust for the benefit of all children.

Over recent weeks, Selena, HLTA and Art Lead at Kelvedon St Mary's CofE Primary Academy, has been working at East Hanningfield CofE Primary Academy as part of her Trust-wide role as Courageous Advocacy Lead.

Working alongside pupils and staff, Selena designed and delivered a series of creative projects exploring themes including diversity, community, environmental stewardship, faith and global citizenship. The result is a collection of stunning displays that have transformed the school environment and created meaningful opportunities for children to reflect on how they can make a positive difference in the world around them.

This project is a wonderful example of Canonium's collaborative approach, where specialist skills and expertise are shared across schools to enrich learning experiences and support our vision of "one body, many members, flourishing together."

Thank you to Selena for her creativity, passion and commitment, and to the staff and children at East Hanningfield for embracing the project so enthusiastically.

💙 What Our Families Say About Us 💙

There is no better recommendation than hearing from the families who know our school best.

⭐ “It’s an absolutely fabulous school. The Head Teacher and whole staffing team are so dedicated to every single child’s individual need.”

⭐ “The support from the staff is amazing and the Head Teacher is very hands-on with parents and children.”

⭐ “I can’t praise this school enough. The support and commitment they show is above and beyond.”

⭐ “Our son has additional needs and they have been outstanding, working with us every step of the way. The Head Teacher leads a skilled, competent and caring team.”

At Stourview, we believe every child deserves to feel valued, supported and inspired to succeed. We are grateful to our wonderful families for their trust and partnership.

📞 If you are looking for a school where children are known, nurtured and encouraged to flourish, we’d love to welcome you for a visit.

📞 01206 484227
📧 [email protected]

We are delighted to share that a brand-new, school-based, teacher-led nursery will open at Ardleigh St Mary's CofE Primary Academy in September 2026, following Canonium Learning Trust's successful application for Department for Education capital funding.

Today was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the progress, development and growing strengths of Woodham Walter CofE Primary Academy during its first year as part of Canonium Learning Trust.

Almost a year to the day after joining the Trust, the school welcomed governors, parents, members of the local community, Trust colleagues and the Right Reverend Adam Atkinson, Bishop of Bradwell, to a special celebration and the official launch of its new Rainbow Room.

The event began with a fantastic assembly led by the children, who showcased their singing and musical talents with confidence and enthusiasm. They were a credit to the school and reflected the warmth, character and sense of community that is so evident at Woodham Walter.

The Rainbow Room forms part of Canonium's Pink Tower Approach, our Montessori-inspired model of inclusion and SEND support. The approach focuses on creating carefully prepared environments, high-quality resources and personalised support that enable every child to flourish. Through thoughtful design and specialist provision, it helps children develop independence, confidence and a love of learning while ensuring that individual needs are recognised and supported.

It was inspiring to see the new space brought to life. The room has been carefully designed and furnished with high-quality resources that will support pupils for many years to come. We were also able to visit the improved Reception classroom and see how investment in the learning environment is helping to create engaging and nurturing spaces for children at the very start of their educational journey.

The Bishop of Bradwell officially blessed the school and the new Rainbow Room, marking an important milestone in the school's continuing journey and recognising the commitment of staff, governors and the wider community to ensuring every child can flourish.

While the physical improvements are impressive, what stood out most was the confidence and ambition that can be felt throughout the school. Over the past year, Woodham Walter has embraced the opportunities that come from being part of a family of schools, drawing on shared expertise, collaboration and proven practice from across the Trust, while retaining the unique character and strengths that make the school such an important part of its local community.

It was particularly encouraging to hear Headteacher Mrs Dennis and Chair of Governors Anne Rushton speak so positively about the school's journey over the past year. Their reflections highlighted the value of strong partnerships, shared expertise and collective support in helping schools continue to grow and improve for the benefit of every child.

Today's celebration was about much more than the launch of a new room. It was a celebration of a school community that is embracing opportunity, investing in children and staff, and building on its many strengths as part of the Canonium family.

One body, many members, flourishing together.

We are hiring - Caterpillar Pre School Preschool Manger – Marks Tey We have an exciting opportunity for a Pre-school Manager to lead our highly experienced team. This role will be available from the beginning of June 2026 but the final start date will be subject to the completion of statisfactory checks and references so applications a...

We’re pleased to share this consultation from one of our schools, Ardleigh St Mary’s CofE Primary Academy.

Canonium Learning Trust is proposing to establish a school-based nursery at Ardleigh, with a planned opening in September 2026. The school has been provisionally awarded School-Based Nursery Capital Funding to support this development.

This provision is intended to deliver high-quality early years education, support local families with accessible childcare, and strengthen children’s transition into Reception.

As part of this process, the school is seeking views from parents, carers and the wider community. Your feedback will help shape how the nursery operates and ensure it meets local needs.

You can take part in the consultation here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/6d/e/1FAIpQLScIkIeMLxhxbPm-fnkYCSutieaLvqGysBhe9qEe84O8aGiZUA/viewform?usp=header

The consultation is open until Friday 12 April.

Thank you for your support.

Consultation on Proposed Nursery Provision at Ardleigh St Mary’s CofE Primary Academy Canonium Learning Trust is proposing to establish a school-based nursery at Ardleigh St Mary’s CofE Primary Academy, with a planned opening in September 2026. The school submitted an application for School-Based Nursery Capital Funding in December 2025 and has now been formally notified in March 2...

It’s wonderful to see children enjoying fresh, nutritious lunches at Finchingfield CofE Academy!

We believe every child deserves healthy, high-quality food, prepared with care and served in a safe, familiar setting. We’re delighted to see the positive impact of our partnership with Edwards & Ward, supporting good nutrition, wellbeing and an enjoyable lunchtime experience for our pupils.

Learn more about our Trust-wide catering approach:
https://www.canonium.org/news-information/school-catering-service

Christmas Wishes from Canonium 🌟🎄

As the autumn term draws to a close, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who makes Canonium Learning Trust such a strong and caring community.

In 2025 we were proud to be named Trust of the Year and we welcomed four new schools, growing to a family of 12 schools across Essex.

We want to take this opportunity to say Thank you.

- Thank you to our staff for your dedication and care.

- Thank you to our school and Trust leaders for leading with integrity and purpose.

- Thank you to our governors and volunteers who give their time to support our schools.

- Thank you to our partners and communities, and to our families for the trust you place in us.

- And most of all, thank you to our children, whose joy, kindness and curiosity inspire us every day.

As we celebrate Christmas, we wish everyone a time of peace, rest and togetherness, and every good wish for the year ahead.

One body, many members - flourishing together.