On 14 February, all staff from across Mercia Learning Trust came together for MerciaEdCon 2025, a powerful day of professional development, collaboration, and shared purpose. This year’s theme, One Mission, One Trust, reflected our commitment to unity, excellence, and a culture of coaching.

The conference opened with a powerful performance from our primary school children. This was created and directed by our friends at Sheffield Theatres as part of our primary school partnership with them. 

Keynote speakers Ian Thomas CBE and Julie Hurst delivered thought-provoking sessions on resilience, leadership, and wellbeing, inspiring staff with personal stories and practical insights. Our CEO, Neil Miley, outlined the trust’s renewed mission and values, reinforcing our shared ambition to deliver the highest standards of education for every child.

Workshops and breakout sessions focussed on the new coaching model that will be embedded across our trust. The day also featured the Mercia Star Awards, celebrating exceptional contributions from colleagues across our schools.