The Perins Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) consists of Perins School and Sun Hill Junior School (SHJS) in Hampshire. Perins School has been educating the youth of Alresford and beyond for over 300 years and is one of the oldest schools in the county. Having been a standalone Academy since 2011, it converted in September 2017 to become part of a Multi-Academy Trust with SHJS which has been on a journey of school improvement.

This exciting collaboration enables the Perins MAT to build on the strengths of both schools within the community and to determine how to offer the best possible teaching and learning opportunities to staff and pupils at both schools. As a result, the schools have developed close links, ensuring a seamless transition for their pupils from junior to secondary school, and there are opportunities for staff at both schools to gain cross-stage experience and share resources, knowledge and expertise.

The Trust is proud that both schools give their students a rounded and broad education, helping pupils develop the highest of ambitions and enabling them to make a significant contribution to society as they go out into the world. Beyond academic achievement, the Perins MAT is particularly proud of its sport and creative arts departments. The schools are inclusive, and all staff seek what is best for pupils with a clear commitment to the pastoral needs and well-being of every student.

The next strategic phase for the Perins MAT will focus on consolidation and recovery following Covid-19. In particular, it will seek to develop a central function which manages finance, HR, operations and IT. It will also seek to develop its SEN offering. A new housing development project in Alresford poses further opportunities for the schools.

The Perins Multi-Academy Trust is looking for a Trustee to support and challenge the Board and executive. They will offer a strategic perspective on the development of the Trust and a professional outlook on governance.

Trustees are responsible for the same three core governance functions performed by the governing body in a maintained school: setting the direction, holding the Chief Executive Officer to account and ensuring financial probity. Duties include regularly attending meetings, managing conflicts of interest, seeking advice from the academy’s leadership team and ensuring the academy has appropriate procedures in place for reporting financial information. Additionally, these Trustees will join the Students and Standards Committee.

The Perins Multi-Academy Trust is looking for a Trustee with a background in educational leadership.

This individual will ideally have a background in primary education, likely to have held a senior position within a school, in local authority or in another multi-academy trust; individuals with experience in secondary or further education would also be of interest. Applicants will understand the implementation of the curriculum and advise and support the Trust Board on curriculum matters. They will ensure that the pursuit of a high-quality educational provision continues to be central to the Perins MAT, and will have an informed perspective on how best to navigate the potential obstacles and opportunities which the Perins MAT may face. This person will ideally chair the Student Standards Committee.

Applicants should be able to understand and appreciate the differences between the operations of commercial organisations and multi-academy trusts. Overall, the successful candidates will be able to help the Trust to embrace challenges and share its vision to give children as many opportunities as possible.

Members:
Bishop David (Chair)
Alison Mayne
Margaret Crowe
Sue Pakenham-Walsh
Katy Toms

Trustees:
Katy Toms (Chair)
Steve Jones (EHT)
Dominic Hubble
Jonathan Flory
Charlie Hammel
Heather Breary
Julian Roskill
James Howell

This role is unremunerated; reasonable, pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed. There are six Board meetings a year, of which about half will take place in person in New Alresford, Hampshire, and Trustees are expected to join a committee which also meets six times per year. All meetings tend to happen during term time on a weekday afternoon. In addition, there will be ad hoc events, school visits and an annual away-day. The appointment is for a three-year term.

UK (South-West)