Mindfulness remains central to BEST’s core value of compassion and is a key part of our training entitlement for all, supporting the wellbeing and effectiveness of staff, students and families. Its reach continues to grow, with 1,095 students receiving mindfulness teaching this year as part of the curriculum. Sessions are led by mindfulness-trained staff or the Trust’s Mindfulness Coach, Will George, helping students improve focus, regulate emotions and develop compassion. This impact was highlighted in Langford Village Academy’s recent Ofsted report, noting pupils’ strong emotional awareness and the calm atmosphere created through mindfulness. Our newest BEST members, Castle Newnham Primary and Secondary Schools, have quickly embraced the programme. Sixteen staff have completed the Foundations Course, with four progressing to train as mindfulness practitioners. Engagement from the CN team has been particularly encouraging. Mindfulness at the Heart of BEST We are proud of our growing community of more than 150 mindfulness ‘graduates’ over the past five years, many of whom report significant benefits to wellbeing, performance and relationships. Last year, we extended our offer to parents and carers; over 50 took part, with highly positive feedback. One parent shared: “If I start with some mindfulness myself first, it helps me really listen and be open, calm and supportive.” Looking ahead, a new Mindful and Compassionate Leadership programme will launch in Spring 2026, led by Maggie Farrar. This will help school leaders deepen their practice and support a positive culture across the Trust. “ If I start with some mindfulness with myself first, it makes me stop and really listen, and gives me the energy to be open, calm and supportive.” 6 7 Deputy CEO Craig Smith leaves BEST having championed its values and shaped its success. We celebrate a career dedicated to people, purpose, and growth. Q1. What originally inspired you to pursue this career and choose BEST? I worked in education for around 25 to 30 years and was looking for a change. I wanted a role that was empowering. After meeting with the CEO, it became clear that he was looking for someone to take on the non-teaching and learning aspects of the role — something I knew I could do well. I’m also part of the local community, and my children attended BEST schools, so it felt like the right fit. Q2. How has BEST changed over the years, and what changes stood out the most to you? Themost distinct and significant change has been the size— in terms of schools, staff, and pupils. What stood out tomemost is that, despite this growth, the ethos, values and approach have remained the same. Q3. What are some of your proudest moments or accomplishments during your career at BEST? The obvious answer would be the major projects, such as the Pixbrook opening, onboarding of Castle Newnham, Lawnside and Campton and the new sixth form at Etonbury — all of which I’m extremely proud of. Q4. What will you miss the most? It’s the people. You can’t work somewhere for a long period of time and truly feel satisfied without acknowledging the people around you. I’ll really miss the dayto-day interactions and the sense of BEST being at the heart of the community. Celebrating a Career Defined by Purpose and the BEST Values Q5. If you could go back and do one thing differently in your career, what would it be – and why? I don’t think I would change much. It may sound like a stereotype, but I was the first in my family to go to university and the first to get a professional job. Starting from there and eventually becoming Deputy CEO of a large Trust is, to me, a real success. Q6. What are you most looking forward to in retirement? I had a somewhat vague, yet partly clear, three-part plan in my mind: looking after myself, prioritising my health and wellbeing, and doing activities that I enjoy—such as playing the guitar and reading books. I also wanted to pursue some form of purpose, whether that be paid work, which I am currently still doing for the Trust, or voluntary work. Q7. How have your views changed on mindfulness from the start of your career to now? Like many people, we often feel we need a shield, convincing ourselves that everything is fine. What I have learnt through mindfulness, however, is that it is perfectly okay not to be okay.
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