ACE Annual Conference

Last Friday, our very own Ryburn Valley High School proudly showcased its leadership in character education by hosting the annual Character Conference from ACE (Association for Character Education). This event brought together educators and thought leaders from across the UK and beyond, with representatives traveling as far as Slovenia, all united by a commitment to fostering character and values-driven education.

As a three-time recipient of the Schools of Character Quality Mark Plus award, Ryburn was the perfect venue for this celebration of best practices in character education.

The conference featured Julie Normanton, Principal of Christ’s College Sunderland, as the keynote speaker. Drawing from over 30 years of experience, Julie provided a compelling exploration of transformative leadership rooted in character and virtues. Her presentation inspired attendees with practical insights on embedding these principles in school communities.

David Lord, our CEO, reinforced the critical role of character education in driving school improvement. His presentation underscored the Trust’s vision of developing young people who embody values such as respect, kindness, and humility, ensuring a holistic educational experience that goes beyond academic achievement.

Ryburn’s commitment to character education has made it a model for schools both within the trust and nationwide. Tom Haigh, a representative from the ACE Centre, praised Ryburn’s dedication, saying:
“Ryburn Valley High School is a terrific example of a school that excels at developing the character of their young people. It is with great pleasure that we welcomed them as the host of this year’s conference.”

It was a privilege to welcome advocates of character education to Ryburn for the conference. Events like this are vital as they highlight the significant role character education plays in shaping the culture of our schools. At the Together Learning Trust, we are committed to developing not only the academic abilities of our students but also their character, culture, confidence and competence. This was a wonderful opportunity to highlight the impactful work happening across our schools to nurture young people who thrive both personally and socially, preparing them to lead with purpose in a rapidly changing world.

For more details about ACE and its initiatives, visit the ACE website.