A Conversation with
Dr Simon Witham, CEO of Venn
Dr Simon Witham leads Venn Academy Trust with a passion for inclusion, collaboration, and innovation. Since 2015, he’s helped build a family of schools across Yorkshire, creating supportive environments where students thrive. Known for his dedication to improving outcomes and championing individuality, Simon ensures every school in the trust has the tools to succeed while staying true to its unique identity
What unites all 14 Venn schools, and how do they differ?
Dr Simon Witham: The strength of Venn lies in the balance between unity and individuality. Each school has its own distinct culture and ethos, shaped by its leadership team to suit the local context. However, what unites them all is a shared commitment to continuous improvement. Across Venn, there is a culture of collaboration—identifying what works and sharing best practice to ensure every pupil succeeds, regardless of background.
How does Venn support a new school joining the trust?
Dr Simon Witham: New schools are welcomed into an established and highly successful community. We provide a range of efficient, low-cost business services that free up school staff to focus on teaching and learning rather than administration. Support includes admissions, marketing and PR, finance, HR, estates management, safeguarding, health and safety, legal advice, and much more.
Additionally, we employ subject specialists across our settings, ensuring curriculum excellence in every national curriculum subject. Schools benefit from comprehensive support to ensure that their curriculum is robust in its intent, implementation, and impact.
How are Venn schools funded?
Dr Simon Witham: Like other state schools, Venn schools receive their funding from the Department for Education rather than through Local Authorities. Beyond this, we secure additional funding each year, enabling us to meet specific needs, enhance the curriculum, and further improve the quality of education we provide.
We also achieve significant cost savings through centralised procurement, generating economies of scale that allow school budgets to stretch further. Every penny saved is reinvested into our schools to maximise the resources and opportunities available to pupils.
How does Venn ensure successful transitions for pupils?
Dr Simon Witham: At Venn, all our pupils transfer successfully to the next stage of education. We use the HearMyVoice, Aspirant Leader, and Artisan Teacher programmes to support staff development and empowerment. HearMyVoice is particularly important in developing character and values education for our pupils, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future academic and personal journeys.
What aspects of Venn are most important to you and why?
Dr Simon Witham: We are highly effective in raising the attainment of disadvantaged pupils and those from diverse backgrounds. Our impact is regularly recognised in educational research, ranking us among the top performers nationally for the achievement of pupils from low-income families.
We are incredibly proud that our approach leads to improved outcomes, increased attendance, and pupils who are better prepared for lifelong learning. Ensuring that every child develops the knowledge, skills, and resilience needed to succeed is at the heart of what we do.
“Leaders have high expectations of pupils. Staff share a determination to help children succeed.”
“The school expects great things from all pupils. They successfully meet these goals and make superb progress in their understanding of different subjects.”
“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.”
“Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school and the difference it has made to their children.”
“Parents and carers appreciate the school’s focus on building strong relationships and engaging with the wider community.”
“The school is a vibrant and welcoming place where pupils feel safe and supported.”
“Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary, and they show a strong sense of belonging to the school community.”
“Pupils are eager to learn and enjoy a curriculum that is both engaging and broad, supporting their academic and personal growth.”
“The school provides a safe and supportive environment for pupils with a range of additional needs.”
“Parents appreciate the school’s efforts to engage with families and build strong community links.”
“Staff work effectively together to create a caring and inclusive environment where all pupils are valued.”
“The school’s inclusive ethos ensures that every child feels valued, supported, and able to thrive.”
“The school’s values of ‘confidence, resilience and perseverance’ shine through the curriculum and the positive attitudes of staff and pupils.”
“The curriculum is designed to ensure that all children make progress in their learning.”
“Pupils are enthusiastic learners and enjoy the varied and engaging curriculum on offer.”
“Leaders are ambitious for every pupil and provide a curriculum that meets their diverse needs.”
“There is a strong sense of teamwork among staff, which contributes to the school’s positive ethos.”
“Strong leadership ensures that all pupils make excellent progress in their learning and personal development.”
“There is a strong team culture within the school. Teachers who are new to the school welcome the support they receive.”
“Relationships between staff and pupils are extremely caring and positive. Pupils feel safe and supported, preparing them well for life beyond school.”
“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.”
“Parents value the commitment of staff in helping their children to succeed.”
“Leaders are determined to provide pupils with the best possible start to their education, ensuring that all pupils achieve well.”
“Teachers help every pupil do their best. The staff know pupils’ needs extremely well and tailor learning to enable all pupils to thrive.”
“Pupils are happy and enjoy their learning.”
“Leaders ensure that the curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of all pupils, enabling them to succeed academically and personally.”
“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.”
“Leaders consider teachers’ workload. This helps teachers to focus on planning interesting lessons.”
“Pupils thrive in a nurturing and inclusive environment.”
“The school provides a highly nurturing environment where pupils feel valued and supported.”
“The school provides high-quality nurture and skilled support, ensuring pupils flourish both academically and personally.”
“Staff are skilled at helping pupils to re-engage with their learning and make good progress.”