About Venn
Established in 2015 with four schools, the Venn Academy Trust has grown into a diverse family of academies across Yorkshire and the Humber. We support special, alternative provision, and mainstream academies, including a hybrid free school, celebrating the unique identity of each.
We are proud of our record in improving schools through strong central systems and effective strategies. Our focus on collaboration with schools, local authorities, and communities ensures pupils thrive, achieving positive outcomes and becoming lifelong learners.
Recognised for our expertise in Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH), we deliver outstanding provision from birth to post-16. Our trust board supports local governance to maintain high standards and strategic outcomes for every school.
If you are interested in joining our family or exploring training opportunities, we would love to hear from you.
Together we will…
Dr Simon Witham
Trust Lead and Accounting Officer
A unique family of schools that places a vision of inclusion at its core
At Venn, we celebrate the individuality and inclusivity of every school. Each academy retains its unique character and approach post-conversion, with tailored curriculums and ways of working that reflect the needs of its community. We are proud to support and nurture this diversity, fostering an inclusive environment where every school can thrive while maintaining its distinctiveness and ensuring all pupils feel valued and supported.
Our vision & values
Pioneer | Inspire | Achieve | Collaborate | Create
Pioneer to provide a curriculum of the highest standards with a clear international dimension to meet every pupils needs.
Inspire our young people to become resilient learners who embrace excellence and challenge to become confident and courageous learners.
Achieve the highest standards with progress that enriches pupils personal development.
Collaborate with our families and communities to place every young person at the heart and to serve them well.
Create a culture where all our pupils of all abilities are equally welcome and supported to achieve their full potential.
Our journey
The Venn journey is one of collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to achieving excellence in education for all pupils.
Schools that join the trust become part of a dynamic and supportive family, where their unique qualities are celebrated and nurtured.
At the same time, they gain access to a wealth of resources, expertise, and strategic partnerships that empower them to provide exceptional learning experiences and deliver the highest standards of education for every pupil.
Excellence in Education: Venn’s Commitment to SEMH
Our expertise shines through superior practices, training, and a culture of positive behaviour. We deliver a purposeful curriculum that challenges and supports every pupil, from birth to post-16. Venn is renowned for its capability in addressing Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, ensuring a comprehensive educational experience for all.
Our journey continues
Over the years, we have expanded our family across Yorkshire and the Humber, with more schools expressing interest in joining. Today, our trust includes special schools, alternative provision academies, mainstream academies, and even a hybrid/alternative provision free school.
At Venn, we celebrate the individuality of every school. Each academy maintains its unique character and approach post-conversion, with tailored curriculums and ways of working. We are proud to support and nurture this diversity, enabling each school to thrive while maintaining its distinctiveness.
Our trust has a proven track record of improving and developing schools. This success is rooted in robust central systems and effective school improvement strategies. Together, these elements ensure our pupils are confident, hardworking, and enjoy their learning journey, ultimately achieving remarkable outcomes.
Collaboration is at the heart of our vision. By partnering with local authorities, schools, and community organisations, we provide exceptional support and resources. As a pioneering academy trust, Venn inspires pupils to become lifelong learners and to strive for the highest standards of achievement. Through this collaborative approach, we aim to create world-class learning experiences for all.
Our expertise is demonstrated through high-quality practices, training, and a strong culture of positive behaviour. We focus on delivering an intentional and impactful curriculum, ensuring every pupil benefits from a challenging and supportive educational experience. Venn serves pupils from birth to post-16 and is widely recognised for its expertise in supporting Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.
Governance within our trust is designed to empower schools. Our trust board works closely with local governing bodies, providing strategic guidance and support to help each school achieve its goals.
If you are interested in joining our growing family of schools or would like to explore our training opportunities, we invite you to contact us for an informal conversation.
Together, we can achieve great things.
Together we will…
Dr Simon Witham
Trust Lead and Accounting Officer
“Staff work effectively together to create a caring and inclusive environment where all pupils are valued.”
“The curriculum is designed to ensure that all children make progress in their learning.”
“The school’s inclusive ethos ensures that every child feels valued, supported, and able to thrive.”
“Parents and carers appreciate the school’s focus on building strong relationships and engaging with the wider community.”
“Parents value the commitment of staff in helping their children to succeed.”
“The school expects great things from all pupils. They successfully meet these goals and make superb progress in their understanding of different subjects.”
“Strong leadership ensures that all pupils make excellent progress in their learning and personal development.”
“Teachers help every pupil do their best. The staff know pupils’ needs extremely well and tailor learning to enable all pupils to thrive.”
“There is a strong sense of teamwork among staff, which contributes to the school’s positive ethos.”
“Leaders have high expectations of pupils. Staff share a determination to help children succeed.”
“The school’s values of ‘confidence, resilience and perseverance’ shine through the curriculum and the positive attitudes of staff and pupils.”
“The school provides a safe and supportive environment for pupils with a range of additional needs.”
“Teachers have high expectations, which encourages pupils to strive for their best.”
“Pupils love learning at this school. Each morning, friendly staff greet children at the door with big smiles. This creates a welcoming and positive environment for all pupils.”
“The school provides high-quality nurture and skilled support, ensuring pupils flourish both academically and personally.”
“Highly effective and passionate leaders, from in school and the trust, work well together to ensure that pupils in this school make very strong progress from their varied starting points.”
“Pupils are happy and enjoy their learning.”
“There is a strong team culture within the school. Teachers who are new to the school welcome the support they receive.”
“Leaders are determined to provide pupils with the best possible start to their education, ensuring that all pupils achieve well.”
“Staff are skilled at helping pupils to re-engage with their learning and make good progress.”
“Leaders are ambitious for every pupil and provide a curriculum that meets their diverse needs.”
“The school is a vibrant and welcoming place where pupils feel safe and supported.”
“They are committed to including all pupils in the school and work hard to ensure that they achieve well.”
“Pupils are enthusiastic learners and enjoy the varied and engaging curriculum on offer.”
“Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary, and they show a strong sense of belonging to the school community.”
“Pupils thrive in a nurturing and inclusive environment.”
“Parents appreciate the school’s efforts to engage with families and build strong community links.”
“Pupils are eager to learn and enjoy a curriculum that is both engaging and broad, supporting their academic and personal growth.”
“Relationships between staff and pupils are extremely caring and positive. Pupils feel safe and supported, preparing them well for life beyond school.”
“The school provides a highly nurturing environment where pupils feel valued and supported.”
“Leaders ensure that the curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of all pupils, enabling them to succeed academically and personally.”
“Leaders consider teachers’ workload. This helps teachers to focus on planning interesting lessons.”
“Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school and the difference it has made to their children.”