Excellence in Practice Visit - Southfield School

Join us for an Excellence in Practice Visit exploring how Southfield School and Orbis Education Trust have transformed enrichment from an optional extra into a universal entitlement for every child. This visit will provide school and trust leaders with an in-depth look at the vision, strategy and practical approaches that have enabled the Trust to systematically close the enrichment gap and ensure that a child's background or starting point does not limit the opportunities available to them.

Historically, enrichment opportunities were often accessed by students who were already well supported, while others missed out. In response, leaders at Southfield School reframed enrichment as a strategic priority, placing it alongside attainment and progress as a key measure of educational success. Participation is now mapped, monitored and tracked to ensure all students benefit from a broad range of experiences that develop confidence, character, cultural capital and aspiration.

A central feature of this work is the innovative Electives Programme. Rather than relying on students choosing to participate in activities beyond the school day, enrichment has been embedded into the curriculum through a structured and timetabled programme. Every student takes part and rotates through a wide range of physical, adventurous, creative and cultural experiences, ensuring that no student is excluded from the opportunities available.

During the visit, delegates will hear how the principles established at Southfield School have been scaled across Orbis Education Trust. This includes the expansion of inclusive enrichment opportunities across both primary and secondary phases, the development of ambitious trip and residential programmes, and the growth of Trust-wide initiatives such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award and Combined Cadet Force. Visitors will also learn about the Trust's "50 Things" framework, which sets out a shared entitlement of experiences every child should access during their time in an Orbis school.

The visit will provide insight into how the Trust evaluates and measures the impact of its enrichment strategy. Delegates will explore the tools used to assess provision against emerging DfE enrichment expectations, as well as the data systems used to track participation and identify where gaps are narrowing. Leaders will share how this information informs decision-making at both school and Trust level, ensuring accountability and continuous improvement.

Alongside presentations and discussion, visitors will have the opportunity to see the Electives Programme in action, observe how enrichment is embedded within the school week, and speak directly with students about their experiences. Hearing from young people themselves provides a powerful insight into how access to high-quality enrichment can broaden horizons, raise aspirations and create lasting impact. This visit offers practical ideas, strategic insights and proven approaches for schools and trusts seeking to make enrichment truly inclusive for every child

Agenda

12:00pm - Arrival and refreshments with Steph Roberts, CEO at Orbis Education Trust, and the Executive Team.

12:15pm - 1pm - Enrichment strategy and journey with Steph Roberts, CEO at Orbis Education Trust, Christ Roberts, estates & Compliance Director and Dan York, Primary education Director.

1pm - 1:30pm - Tools to evaluate the new enrichment standards and data analysis with Holly Cotton, Executive Leader, and Scott Nevett, Professional Development Lead.

1:30pm - 2:30pm - Enrichment in action - Southfield school's Elective Programme with Chris Meadway, Headteacher at Southfield school.

2:30pm - 3pm- First - hand impact on students with Chris Meadway, Headteacher, and stduents.

3pm - 3:30pm - Discussions, reflections, Q & A

3:30pm - Close

This will be a great opportunity to meet with like-minded professionals, share thoughts and experiences, and learn from each other.