Vision statements: what they are and how to create one

Find out how to create an effective vision statement so your whole community can understand and follow your strategic direction. See some examples from schools and trusts.

Last reviewed on 4 September 2024
School types: AllSchool phases: PrimaryRef: 3992
Contents
  1. What a vision statement does
  2. How to create a vision statement 
  3. Examples from schools and MATs

What a vision statement does

It's your vision for the future. You'll capture it in a clear statement, in collaboration with your school or trust leaders. 

Your vision statement will make your ambitions for current and future pupils clear. Make sure it focuses on their progress and achievement.

Your strategic direction is aimed at achieving your vision

Making sure that your school's vision, ethos and strategy are clearly defined is one of the 3 core functions of maintained governing boards. For trust boards, strategic leadership, which includes setting your trust's vision, is one of the 3 core purposes of trust governance.

Your vision is the starting point for your whole strategy, so use your statement to make sure that vision can be communicated to your whole community, so that everyone can work towards it.

Make sure you're clear on the difference between vision, values, strategy and ethos.

How to create a vision statement 

Everyone in your