The directors of Excalibur Academies Trust and Gatehouse Green Learning Trust have revealed that discussions are underway that could result in these two successful multi academy trusts combining. While the Excalibur Academies Trust covers Fairfield High School and May Park Primary in Bristol, the Gatehouse Green Learning Trust includes Ashton Park Secondary, Redland Green Secondary, Compass Point Primary, Ashton Vale Primary and Luckwell Primary.
Sarah Baker CEO of Gatehouse Green Learning Trust will be retiring at the end of this year having successfully led the trust since its formation. During the next academic year, Excalibur and GGLT will be exploring the best strategy to ensure a clear plan for growth, development, and excellent education in line with their key values.
Nick Lewis, who currently leads Excalibur’s Fairfield High School, will be seconded to Gatehouse Green as interim CEO from September 2022. Originally from Bristol and living locally, Nick has worked in primary and secondary education for 29 years, including at schools in Islington, Camden, Hackney, and within Bristol. Amanda Bridgewater, Vice Principal at Fairfield High School for several years, will be stepping up as Principal during the 2022-23 academic year.
Nick will be supported in his role by Nicky Edmondson, CEO of Excalibur Academies Trust. An experienced coach and mentor, Nicky has significantly raised achievement in every school she has led whilst also reducing the disadvantage gap. Under her leadership, all Excalibur Academies Trust schools are rated good or outstanding by OFSTED.
Margaret Simmons-Bird Chair of GGLT’s Board of Directors, said, “Both our Trusts have a compelling commitment to high expectations and ambition for all our children and staff. We share the conviction that the provision of high quality education is transformative and instils in young people the best vision of themselves.”
Discussions are at an early stage and there will be consultation with stakeholders, a thorough due diligence process and engagement with the Department for Education whose approval will be required. The values of both trusts are closely aligned with a strong focus on celebrating diversity and recognising the individuality of every child as well as each school, its local context and importance to its local community.
Nicky Edmondson CEO said, “We are really excited by the prospect of working in partnership with Gatehouse Green Learning Trust, we have outstanding schools and excellent staff in both trusts; working collaboratively will enable best practice to be shared at all levels ensuring an excellent education for all our children.”