CEO Thought for the Week

Hi Everyone,

I hope you’re well and having a positive week.

This week, I want to reflect on something simple but powerful: the difference between being nice and being kind.

Being nice often means keeping things pleasant, avoiding friction, and saying what people want to hear. It’s comfortable — but it doesn’t always help people grow.

Being kind, on the other hand, sometimes takes courage. It might mean having an honest conversation, giving feedback that helps someone improve, or making a tough decision in someone’s best interests. Kindness isn’t always easy in the moment, but it builds trust, respect, and genuine connection.

As a Trust, we don’t just want to be “nice” to each other and to our pupils. We want to be kind. That means:

• Supporting colleagues when they’re struggling, not just offering polite words.
• Holding each other to high standards because we believe in each other’s potential.
• Encouraging our children to aim higher, even when the easier answer would be to let things slide.

Kindness shapes culture. It’s what makes our schools places where people feel they truly belong, where expectations are high because we care deeply, and where children and staff can thrive.

Thank you for showing this kind of kindness each day. It makes all the difference.

Best wishes,
Gavin

“Being nice is saying what someone wants to hear. Being kind is saying what they need to hear — with love and respect.”