Peterborough academy trust makes two key appointments to senior leadership team

Two new appointments have been announced at Peterborough Keys Academies Trust (PKAT) strengthening its leadership team.

PKAT runs five schools in the city, Jack Hunt, Longthorpe Primary School, NOVA Primary Academy, Ravensthorpe Primary School, Thorpe Primary School.

Mrs Jude Macdonald has been appointed Trust Director of Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND).

She was previously Headteacher of Marshfields Special School. Her role and responsibilities include, securing good or better outcomes for children and young people with SEND across the Trust, compliance with statutory processes for SEND, ensuring Ofsted recognise SEND provision in all Trust schools as good or better and to provide training to support Trust staff in meeting more complex needs in mainstream schools.

On her new appointment, she said: “I am delighted to have been appointed to the position of Trust Director of SEND.

"The level of SEND in mainstream is increasingly exponentially nationally, and the Trust created this position in recognition of their commitment to securing outstanding provision for children and young people with complex needs in mainstream.

"I have created a strategic plan to ensure best practice is at the heart of the work of all schools, which is leading to staff professional development and adaption to allow children and young people to remain in mainstream.”

Mrs Ali England has been appointed Director of School Improvement. She has over twenty years’ experience working in a range of large Primary schools in challenging circumstances.

Prior to her role as Director of School Improvement, she gained extensive experience as Headteacher, Head School Support for Local Authority and Head of Safeguarding for a large trust of over 60 schools.

She has particular expertise in teaching and learning, curriculum and leadership development. In her role as Director of School Improvement.

She works closely with leaders at all levels to secure and maintain excellent in the education the schools provide. She believes that coaching, continuous professional development and collaboration are the key to making this happen.

Commenting on her new role, Mrs Ali England said: “I am delighted to be embarking upon this exciting opportunity as Director of School Improvement.

"There are many strengths upon which to build. Therefore, I believe that we are well positioned to embrace the future challenges of educating the next generation of pupils in an ever-evolving world, with a focus on partnership and collaboration at all levels.”