Find your vision and strategy part 1: lay the groundwork

You know that you need a strong vision statement - but what does that mean? Learn what it is, why you need one and how to find yours.

Last reviewed on 26 June 2024
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 35319
Contents
  1. Know the terms 
  2. Understand why you need a vision statement
  3. Work with senior leaders
  4. Set aside time to work on your vision and strategy 
  5. Choose a facilitator and send them to part 2

Viv Grant, Steve Baber and one of our associate education experts, Vicky Crane, helped us with this article. 

Know the terms 

Make sure you clarify at the beginning what these words mean, so everyone knows what you're doing and why.

Vision: a statement that says what your school/trust aspires to Values: the overarching principles that steer your school/trust in everything it does. They define your core beliefs, guide your decision-making and demonstrate what you are at your best. When you're reviewing your vision, you'll usually think about your values at the same time Strategy: the specific actions you'll take to achieve your vision Ethos: the culture and character of the school/trust. It's: How people feel when they're there The shared beliefs you all hold The environment you create to make sure people can achieve the vision, live the values, and implement the strategy Mission: while the vision is the overarching statement of where you want pupils to be when