South Pennine Academies is an exempt charity and a not for profit organisation. The Trust operates as a multi-academy trust and in that respect is the employer across all the academies in the partnership. A multi-Academy Trust is simply a number of academies who agree to work together within an overarching trust body with a remit to co-ordinate matters of common interest referred collectively by the Governing Bodies.

South Pennine Academies Trust has been developed to allow Waterhead Academy to work formally in partnership with other academies.

The Trust is also recognised by the DfE as an Academy Sponsor. Sponsors are held accountable for the improving the performance of their schools and involves taking responsibility for their performance and financial arrangements.

The Trust is led by Lynda Johnson who is the Chief Executive Officer of the Trust. She has a strong track record in school improvement supporting schools across a number of local authorities.

 Our Vision

To develop a group of closely partnered academiesTo ensure all academies are world class centres of Excellence for Teaching and LearningTo ensure the Trust plays a pivotal role in improving the life chances of studentsTo develop local solutions and partnerships to meet local needsTo promote school improvement with inclusion and diversity at its coreValues

South Pennine Academies Trust believes in school improvement through a partnership model. This brings drive, expertise and capacity to the school improvement agenda. We recognize and encourage each academy’s unique characteristics and ethos, reinforcing their individual identities within their respective communities.

Working within a multi-academy trust allows school to school support to flourish. Becoming part of our partnership will allow you to become a leader not a follower and be involved in shaping the partnership rather than having it shaped for you.

Key Priorities

• Strong and Effective
• Leadership
• High Performing Staff
• Successful Students
• Engaged Community