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.
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 reflected in specialist practice, professional development and a strong culture of positive behaviour and inclusion. We support schools to deliver purposeful, ambitious curricula that challenge and support every pupil, helping children and young people to engage with learning and achieve positive outcomes.
Join our journey – get in touch today…
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 joining a trust should strengthen that individuality rather than replace it. Our schools retain approaches that reflect the needs of their pupils and communities, while benefiting from the expertise, collaboration and shared support of the wider Venn family.
Our vision & values
Pioneer | Inspire | Achieve | Collaborate | Create
Pioneer – Provide a curriculum of the highest standards, with a clear international dimension, that meets every pupil’s needs.
Inspire – Inspire our young people to become resilient learners who embrace excellence and challenge, developing into confident and courageous individuals.
Achieve – Achieve the highest standards through progress that enriches pupils’ academic and personal development.
Collaborate – Work with our families and communities, placing every young person at the heart of what we do and serving them well.
Create – Create a culture in which pupils of all abilities are equally welcomed, valued 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 every pupil.
Schools joining Venn become part of a supportive family in which their individual qualities are celebrated and strengthened, while gaining access to shared expertise, resources and strategic partnerships that help them deliver exceptional learning experiences.
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
“Leaders ensure that the curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of all pupils, enabling them to succeed academically and personally.”
“Staff are skilled at helping pupils to re-engage with their learning and make good progress.”
“Parents and carers appreciate the school’s focus on building strong relationships and engaging with the wider community.”
“Leaders have high expectations of pupils. Staff share a determination to help children succeed.”
“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.”
“The school is a vibrant and welcoming place where pupils feel safe and supported.”
“The school expects great things from all pupils. They successfully meet these goals and make superb progress in their understanding of different subjects.”
“Teachers help every pupil do their best. The staff know pupils’ needs extremely well and tailor learning to enable all pupils to thrive.”
“The curriculum is designed to ensure that all children make progress in their learning.”
“Pupils are happy and enjoy their learning.”
“Leaders are determined to provide pupils with the best possible start to their education, ensuring that all pupils achieve well.”
“The school’s inclusive ethos ensures that every child feels valued, supported, and able to thrive.”
“Pupils are eager to learn and enjoy a curriculum that is both engaging and broad, supporting their academic and personal growth.”
“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.”
“Relationships between staff and pupils are extremely caring and positive. Pupils feel safe and supported, preparing them well for life beyond school.”
“Leaders are ambitious for every pupil and provide a curriculum that meets their diverse needs.”
“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.”
“Pupils are enthusiastic learners and enjoy the varied and engaging curriculum on offer.”
“The school provides a highly nurturing environment where pupils feel valued and supported.”
“There is a strong team culture within the school. Teachers who are new to the school welcome the support they receive.”
“Parents value the commitment of staff in helping their children to succeed.”
“They are committed to including all pupils in the school and work hard to ensure that they achieve well.”
“Teachers have high expectations, which encourages pupils to strive for their best.”
“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 thrive in a nurturing and inclusive environment.”
“Staff work effectively together to create a caring and inclusive environment where all pupils are valued.”
“Strong leadership ensures that all pupils make excellent progress in their learning and personal development.”
“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.”
“The school provides high-quality nurture and skilled support, ensuring pupils flourish both academically and personally.”
“Parents appreciate the school’s efforts to engage with families and build strong community links.”