South Downs Education Trust
Always Pursue Excellence
Culture
Our values are embedded throughout our trust and our schools. When it comes to our people, we look for those who share our values – community, resilience, integrity, respect and excellence.
Community: By working as one, we share expertise and achieve more for our schools.
Resilience: We prioritise the wellbeing of students and staff, creating a culture of care, balance and resilience.
Integrity: By showing honesty and truthfulness at all times we stay true to ourselves.
Respect: We value individuality and encourage every pupil and member of staff to bring their unique strengths and perspectives.
Excellence: Committed to delivering excellence across all our schools.
We know the value our people bring to our trust community and that’s why our schools are happy, caring and rewarding places to work.
"I joined Clapham and Patching Primary School in 2024 as a Learning Support Assistant in Reception and I’m now working with the wonderful Year 1 team. I have a real passion for supporting children's learning and development, especially through creative activities like art and outdoor experiences such as Forest School.
I have been given the opportunity through the trust and am currently working towards my Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning, which is helping me grow both professionally and personally. I’ve also taken on the roles of Medical and Allergy Lead and support with Speech and Language Therapy, which I find incredibly rewarding.
What I love most about our school is the warm, ‘family’ atmosphere. The staff are always ready to support one another, and there’s a genuine sense of teamwork and care. It’s a privilege to be part of such a nurturing environment where everyone works together to help the children thrive."
Hannah Kelly
Learning Support Assistant, Clapham and Patching CofE Primary School
Welcome to the team
Experience is important to us and that’s why we conduct a two-stage interview process and also engage our applicants in tasks, student panels, tours and written tasks.
Each member of staff will engage in an induction programme where they will learn about different areas within the trust and the trust schools including safeguarding, teaching and learning, pastoral care, behaviour management, health and safety and HR.
We like to keep our staff engaged, upskilled and passionate about what they do so we invest in staff development and professional learning opportunities.
All staff at South Downs Education Trust are entitled to a full and varied staff development programme which benefits both staff and also pupils in the classroom. CPD is a strength of the Trust and focuses on ‘Improving, Not Proving’. Role and career stage specific CPD is essential.
This programme runs on an annual cycle and includes an infrastructure for developing and sustaining improvement within the school (online offer, courses, meetings, INSET days), mentoring, buddying and a particularly successful induction course for ECTs and all new staff.
We are also a range of leadership development aimed at aspiring middle and senior leaders.
We have a whole school CPD focus delivering Embedding Formative Assessment working with the SSAT.
"My training year at Worthing High School was an incredibly rewarding experience, providing me with invaluable support and opportunities to grow both personally and professionally. I was fortunate to be guided by a dedicated mentor who offered constructive feedback, enabling me to refine my teaching skills and build confidence throughout the year. The continuous guidance and encouragement I have received at Worthing High School has played a pivotal role in my professional development, and I am excited for the future and the new opportunities that await within the school community."
Jen Novis
Humanities Teacher, Worthing High School