Yesterday Pontefract Academies Trust hosted its annual Governance Conference, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss the evolving landscape of governance within the Multi Academies Trust sector. The event was held at The Education Exchange, and was attended by trustees and school performance review board members from across the Trust.
The event began with an insightful welcome message from Phil Jones OBE, who touched on the transformational journey that Pontefract Academies Trust has been on since 2018.
Following this, Julian Appleyard OBE, CEO of the Trust, shared a keynote on the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, and how the impact the legislation could have on the educational landscape – particularly around curriculum and the academisation of schools.
Next, Andy Clarke guided attendees through the changing landscape of risk management and how having a successful risk management strategy in place can be used as a strategic tool to futureproof the Trust’s growth and stability.
Lastly, the focus shifted to a powerful case study of Northfield Primary School. Headteacher Joe Ayre, Julian Appleyard OBE, CEO of the Trust, and Mik Shinn, Chair of the School Performance Review Board, shared the school’s transformational journey since joining the Trust in December 2023, emphasising the critical role of communication, culture, and embedding Trust staff early.
The conference concluded with closing remarks led by Julian Appleyard OBE and Phil Jones OBE, who thanked attendees for all that they do to support the Trust’s pupils, staff and communities.
We look forward to continuing these conversations and putting them into practise.
