New name, new image and new outlook for multi-academy-trust
By the end of May, Kenton Schools Academy Trust (KSAT) will become known as Northern Leaders Trust and will proudly display its new strapline ‘Achievement, Students and Leaders matter’, throughout its schools. Currently responsible for the management of two schools – Kenton School, one of the largest 11-19 academies in the North of England with 2010 places and Studio West, an enterprise and innovation campus located in the west end of the city with around 600 students – the trust’s new name and branding marks a step change in its evolution.
This began at the start of the year when Ian Kershaw joined the trust as CEO and Lee Kirtley joined as executive principal from Manor Community Academy in Hartlepool, which he led from Requires Improvement to an Ofsted Good judgement. After formulating a new vision, implementing various organisational changes and with plans for expansion, it was time to reconsider the name and image as Mr Kershaw explains:
“The name Kenton Schools Academy Trust was felt to be geographically limiting, being associated with only one school. Additionally, the trustees wanted to project an image that was more open; one that recognises our schools are unique. “Our new strapline, Achievement, Students and Leaders matter, indicates where our priorities lie and encompasses the idea everyone is a leader and can be encouraged to develop leadership skills whether as a student, teacher or member of the support staff. We want our staff to feel proud of their employing organisation, as one which invests in its people and future leaders.”
Students also liked the idea of belonging to a trust that wants everyone to be a leader, while one trustee sees the rebrand as ‘an exciting opportunity to regenerate the organisation and portray the values of the trust to everyone’.
One Trust Rule has also been introduced, which will soon be visible for all to see on signage in every classroom. Setting out a standard of expectation for every adult and student in the trust, it
establishes a clear rule for expected behaviour, which is readily understood by parents and carers. In the future it is anticipated that the Trust will grow over time with other schools joining, but at a pace where trustees can guarantee the highest quality support for school improvement and strategic leadership.
Looking ahead, Dr Therese Quincey, chair of the board of trustees, added: “The board is delighted by the progress already being made since Mr Kershaw and Mr Kirtley’s arrival. We now have exciting plans in store for the development of the trust in the future and see these
recent changes, together with our new branding, as the start of the next phase in our journey.
“We are also strengthening the senior leadership team with two new associate principals to assist in the drive to raise achievement alongside new directors of the core subjects of maths, English and science. The future is certainly looking bright for both the Northern Leaders Trust and our ability to deliver the highest standards of teaching and learning for all our students.”
With so many brilliant schools in the North East we wish to counter the negative narrative in the media surrounding education with your positive stories. These could focus on the whole school or individual staff and student achievements. We have found stories which we have received from schools incredibly uplifting and inspiring. If you would like to share your good news stories click here.
