Woodard Academies Trust (WAT) was formed in 2007 to deliver the academy programme on behalf of its sponsor, Woodard Schools, an operator of independent Christian schools. Today, WAT is a family of six state-funded academies which share a common ethos and vision: to inspire young people to make a difference. The Trust has an annual operating budget of around £44m.

WAT's first four academies were allocated to the Trust by the Department for Education (DfE) as failing schools, many in areas of challenge and social deprivation. Today, the Trust sponsors four secondaries and two all-through schools located across the UK:

• Sir Robert Woodard Academy, West Sussex (11 - 18 years, opened Sept 2009)
• The Littlehampton Academy, West Sussex (11 - 18 years, opened Sept 2009)
• St Augustine Academy, Kent (11-16, years opened Sept 2011)
• St Peter’s Academy, Stoke-on-Trent (11 - 16 years, opened Sept 2011)
• Kings Priory School, Tynemouth (3 - 18 years, opened Sept 2013)
• Polam Hall School, Darlington (3 - 16 years, joined the Trust in April 2017)

WAT is an inclusive Trust with a strong Christian ethos, accepting pupils of all faiths and none. It believes that its academies should enrich the communities they serve and play an active role in their development. WAT pupils have access to a high-quality education and opportunities for personal growth, such that they gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make a positive impact on the world and lead happy and fulfilling lives. WAT is enriched by its close relationship with the broader Woodard family of schools, which comprises both state and independent schools. There are substantial opportunities for inter-school engagement, teacher and student exchanges and the sharing of best practice.

This is an exciting time for WAT as it looks to adapt to to a complex and challenging macro environment. This year marked the launch of a new five year strategy (2023 - 2028), which has identified seven key priority areas for the Trust. The formulation of this strategy was a Trust-wide process led by Mike Pettifer who joined the organisation as CEO in 2022. 

Academy Councils are central to local governance at WAT. While WAT's Board of Trustees oversees the management and administration of the Trust as a whole, the Academy Councils offer an independent local voice, grounding the Trust in the specific communities its schools serve. More on this model of governance can be found here. 

This particular opportunity is to Chair the Academy Council which governs The Littlehampton Academy (TLA). Located in Littlehampton, West Sussex, TLA is a secondary academy for circa 1,400 pupils aged 11 - 18. The Academy's vision is to secure excellent outcomes and provide life-enhancing experiences for all students. It believes that creating a positive culture and ethos is paramount for the removal of barriers and enables all students to realise their potential. Complementing and reinforcing its strong Christian ethos are its four community values: Respect, Explore, Aspire, and Persevere. The Academy was last inspected by Ofsted in 2022 and received a 'Good' judgement.

The Academy Council at The Littlehampton Academy is responsible for monitoring key performance indicators, acting as a critical friend to the Principal and the senior leadership team, and providing challenge and support where appropriate. Crucially, while the Academy Council has a strategic role in the development of TLA, it does not become involved in day-to-day management issues – that is the role of the Principal.

Woodard Academies Trust now seeks a new Chair for the Academy Council which governs The Littlehampton Academy.

The Trust is open to candidates with a range of different backgrounds. The role would suit someone who has operated at a strategic-level in their executive career, who understands the difference between governance and management, and has the interpersonal skills and confidence required to lead a group of committed volunteers. Previous Chair or Governor experience is welcome, but not essential.

Above all, candidates will be aligned with the Trust's deep commitment to delivering an outstanding education to its students, and share in its belief that the Trust's academies should enrich the communities they serve and play an active role in their development.

You can read more about the composition of the Academy Council here. 

This role is unremunerated, however reasonable, pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed. There are six full Council meetings a year (one per half term), which take place on Mondays or Thursdays at 4:30pm and last for two hours. Additionally, there is an annual Business Meeting which takes place in September. Meetings take place in-person at the Academy. In addition, there will be ad hoc events, school visits and regular communications with the Headteacher. The appointment is for a four-year term.

Candidates should be based within a reasonable commutable distance of The Littlehampton Academy. 

Woodard Academies Trust welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, belief or disability. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.