About
Venn Academy Trust
Established in 2015 with four schools, Venn Academy Trust has grown into a diverse family of mainstream, special and alternative provision academies across Yorkshire and the Humber. While every school retains its own unique identity, our schools are united by a shared commitment to inclusion, collaboration and achieving the best possible outcomes for every pupil.
We have a strong record of supporting schools to improve through effective school improvement strategies, robust central systems and collaborative leadership. By working closely with schools, local authorities and communities, we help create environments in which pupils can thrive and become confident, successful lifelong learners.
Venn is widely recognised for its expertise in supporting pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. Across our schools and specialist provisions, we support children and young people from early years through to post-16, combining high expectations with inclusive and nurturing approaches to education. Explore our Outreach & Inclusion support.
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
Expertise in Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH)
Our expertise in SEMH is rooted in inclusive practice, strong relationships and an understanding of the needs behind behaviour. We work alongside schools to strengthen staff confidence, develop supportive environments and build sustainable approaches that help children and young people belong, engage and thrive.
Considering joining Venn?
Discover how joining Venn can support your school while protecting its individual identity.
A unique family of schools that places a vision of inclusion at its core
Every Venn school has its own identity, character and community. We believe being part of a trust should strengthen that individuality, not replace it. Our schools retain the approaches and character that reflect the needs of their pupils and communities, while benefiting from shared expertise, collaboration and the strength and support of the wider Venn family.
Our vision & values
Our five values shape how we work together across Venn, guiding our approach to education, inclusion and the communities we serve.
Pioneer — Provide an ambitious, high-quality curriculum that responds to the needs of every pupil and prepares them for the wider world.
Inspire — Inspire resilient learners who embrace challenge, develop confidence and have the courage to achieve their ambitions.
Achieve — Pursue the highest standards, enabling every pupil to make progress and flourish academically, personally and socially.
Collaborate — Work together with our schools, families and communities, placing children and young people at the heart of everything we do.
Create — Create inclusive environments where pupils of all abilities are welcomed, valued and supported to fulfil their potential.
Our journey
Since Venn Academy Trust was established in 2015 with four founder schools, our family has continued to grow and evolve across Yorkshire and the Humber. Throughout that journey, collaboration, inclusion and a commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people have remained at the heart of the Trust.
Each school brings its own identity, expertise and community to Venn, while benefiting from shared knowledge, resources and the collective strength of the wider Trust. Explore our journey below to see how the Venn family has developed.
Our journey continues
Venn continues to grow across Yorkshire and the Humber, bringing together mainstream, special and alternative provision schools that share our commitment to inclusive education and improving outcomes for children and young people.
Our approach combines strong school improvement, effective central support and meaningful collaboration. We work alongside our schools, local authorities and community partners while respecting the individual identity, strengths and priorities of every school within the trust.
As Venn grows, our ambition remains the same: to create exceptional learning opportunities, strengthen the communities we serve and ensure every pupil is supported to achieve their full potential.
If your school is considering joining Venn Academy Trust, or you would like to learn more about working with us, we would be delighted to start a conversation.
Together we will…
Dr Simon Witham
Trust Lead and Accounting Officer
“The school is a vibrant and welcoming place where pupils feel safe and supported.”
“Leaders consider teachers’ workload. This helps teachers to focus on planning interesting lessons.”
“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 curriculum is designed to ensure that all children make progress in their learning.”
“Pupils thrive in a nurturing and inclusive environment.”
“The school provides high-quality nurture and skilled support, ensuring pupils flourish both academically and personally.”
“The school’s inclusive ethos ensures that every child feels valued, supported, and able to thrive.”
“Staff work effectively together to create a caring and inclusive environment where all pupils are valued.”
“Pupils are eager to learn and enjoy a curriculum that is both engaging and broad, supporting their academic and personal growth.”
“They are committed to including all pupils in the school and work hard to ensure that they achieve well.”
“The school provides a highly nurturing environment where pupils feel valued and supported.”
“Leaders are ambitious for every pupil and provide a curriculum that meets their diverse needs.”
“Teachers help every pupil do their best. The staff know pupils’ needs extremely well and tailor learning to enable all pupils to thrive.”
“Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school and the difference it has made to their children.”
“Pupils are happy and enjoy their learning.”
“The school expects great things from all pupils. They successfully meet these goals and make superb progress in their understanding of different subjects.”
“Pupils are enthusiastic learners and enjoy the varied and engaging curriculum on offer.”
“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 safe and supportive environment for pupils with a range of additional needs.”
“Teachers have high expectations, which encourages pupils to strive for their best.”
“There is a strong team culture within the school. Teachers who are new to the school welcome the support they receive.”
“Strong leadership ensures that all pupils make excellent progress in their learning and personal development.”
“Parents and carers appreciate the school’s focus on building strong relationships and engaging with the wider community.”
“Leaders are determined to provide pupils with the best possible start to their education, ensuring that all pupils achieve well.”
“Parents appreciate the school’s efforts to engage with families and build strong community links.”
“Leaders ensure that the curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of all pupils, enabling them to succeed academically and personally.”
“Leaders have high expectations of pupils. Staff share a determination to help children succeed.”
“There is a strong sense of teamwork among staff, which contributes to the school’s positive ethos.”
“Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary, and they show a strong sense of belonging to the school community.”
“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.”
“The school’s values of ‘confidence, resilience and perseverance’ shine through the curriculum and the positive attitudes of staff and pupils.”
“Parents value the commitment of staff in helping their children to succeed.”
“Staff are skilled at helping pupils to re-engage with their learning and make good progress.”