Trust welcomes new Executive Deputy Director of Primary Education

Meridian Trust is delighted to announce that Ben Levinson OBE has joined the Trust as Executive Deputy Director of Primary Education.

Ben brings with him a wealth of experience in educational leadership, school improvement and staff wellbeing. He joins Meridian Trust from The Tapscott Learning Trust, where he served as Director of School and Trust Improvement and Executive Headteacher.

In this role, Ben will support primary schools across Peterborough, including West Town Primary Academy, Orton Wistow Primary School, Nene Valley Primary School, Woodston Primary School and Sawtry Junior Academy.

Throughout his career, Ben has built a national reputation for driving excellence in education while championing the wellbeing of both pupils and staff. As Executive Headteacher of Kensington Primary School, he led the school from a judgement of Requires Improvement to Outstanding. Under his leadership, the school achieved national recognition, being named Primary School of the Year and Mental Health and Wellbeing School of the Year in 2020.

Ben has also played a leading role in the development of the Well Schools movement. Kensington Primary was one of the founding Well Schools, and Ben chaired the movement for four years while leading The Tapscott Learning Trust’s work as the National Beacon Well Trust.

Alongside his school leadership roles, Ben advises the Department for Education on workload and wellbeing, serves as a Trustee for the Youth Sport Trust and Thrive at Five, is a Fellow of the Chartered College of Teaching, and is the author of The Well Teacher.

In his new role, Ben will work closely with Meridian Trust’s primary schools, supporting leaders, staff and pupils to continue delivering exceptional educational experiences while strengthening the Trust’s commitment to inclusion, wellbeing and achievement.

Ben Levinson OBE said: "I am thrilled to be joining Meridian Trust at such an exciting time. The Trust has a strong reputation for putting children, families, staff and communities at the heart of everything it does, and I am looking forward to working alongside colleagues across our schools to build on the excellent foundations already in place. Together, we will continue to create environments where children are known, valued and supported, while ensuring that staff are able to thrive in their careers."

Lesley Birch, Deputy CEO of Meridian Trust, said: "We are delighted to welcome Ben to Meridian Trust. His track record of transforming outcomes for children, his commitment to inclusion and wellbeing, and his extensive experience in school improvement make him an outstanding addition to our leadership team. Ben brings a combination of expertise, passion and values that align perfectly with our vision for education, and we are excited about the impact he will have across our primary schools and wider Meridian Trust community."