Welcome

Welcome from the Chair of the Trust Board and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Thank you for visiting our website.

EAST was established on 1 September 2019. At its inception, three secondary academies were formally partnered together: Bungay, Farlingaye and Kesgrave High Schools. In 2020, we applied to establish a Free Special School in Bungay, for children with interaction and communication needs. Demonstrating our commitment to local, inclusive education, Castle EAST School is opened in 2021. In November 2023, we welcomed Aldeburgh, Easton, Leiston, Saxmundham and Wickham Market Primary Schools from the Avocet Academy Trust. Avocet was an established and successful primary multi academy trust with a rich history of success and innovative school improvement. Our merger represented the next phase of development for both Trusts. We are confident and excited about the development of an ‘all-phase trust’ which offers educational quality across all key stages.

Establishing EAST SCITT has been a core strategy for improving the flow of teachers into the local area. Our ‘School Centred Initial Teacher Training’ is an accredited Provider offering secondary (11-16) and primary (5-11) school-based initial teacher training awarding Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). We see EAST SCITT as the most effective way to find and develop future teachers to work in this vibrant county. We are delighted with its popularity and quality. 

We are very confident that EAST will create a stronger future for our schools and continue to improve outcomes for our pupils/students. It is through a genuine and transparent commitment to working together that we will continue to collectively and individually achieve great things, providing a first-class educational experience in which all our students can excel. Schools in our Trust retain so much of their independence whilst benefiting from an exciting formal partnership; things such as school names, uniforms and a strong sense of identity are all retained whilst local governors continue to have a significant role in managing and leading schools.

This ethos ensures that we maintain a sharp focus upon the sole reason for forming EAST – our pupils / students. Whether directly or indirectly, it is clear throughout our strategic planning that our core purpose of providing an excellent educational experience for all is illuminated throughout every aim and objective. The strength of our school communities, their local governors and trustees means we are confident that with our vision, skills and resources, EAST will serve the best interests of our community and ensure that we are able to shape our own future.

We are determined that every pupil/student experience a fantastic education helping them to develop and achieve their aspirations. 

Stella Mackenzie                                                    Angelo Goduti 

Chair of the EAST Trust Board                              Chief Executive Officer (CEO)