There is a great deal to celebrate across England’s education system. Schools and trusts continue to deliver strong outcomes for pupils, often in the face of significant and growing pressures. But alongside that success, something else has become increasingly clear: how well organisations operate is becoming just as important as what they deliver. We are entering a new phase for the sector, one defined not just by educational excellence, but by operational excellence. Over the past decade, the focus has rightly been on curriculum, teaching and leadership. These remain fundamental. But as the system matures, grows and becomes more complex, the challenge is no longer just about improving performance. It is about sustaining and scaling it. Schools and trusts are navigating a demanding landscape: financial pressures, workforce challenges, shifting pupil demographics and rising expectations. Many are doing so successfully. But the reality is that approaches to key operational areas such as procurement, workforce deployment, data use and financial planning can vary significantly, even between otherwise similar organisations. This variability matters. Strong teaching and leadership can …