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Governance2025-02-12T22:20:02+00:00

Trustees & Members

Venn Academy Trust is governed by a robust and transparent structure designed to ensure accountability, strategic oversight, and excellence across all our schools.

The Trust Board, comprising experienced professionals from diverse fields, provides overall direction and is responsible for holding leaders accountable for performance, finance, and compliance.

Local governing bodies work closely with each school, focusing on their unique needs and community connections. This collaborative governance model ensures that every school benefits from shared expertise while retaining its individuality, driving success for pupils and communities alike.

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Structure

Our governance structure is designed to be flexible, adapting to the needs of both the Trust and individual schools. For instance, some schools operate governance through full governing body meetings rather than local committees.

We are always interested in hearing from individuals keen to join our governance team, whether as a Trust Member, Trustee, or Governor.

To learn more about these roles, please contact our clerk:

Board

Established in 2015 Venn Academy Trust  has ensured its governance structure reflects the needs of running a multi academy trust and meeting the needs of the communities we serve.

The knowledge and understanding across our Trustees and Governors is vast ranging from educationalists, parents and local residents to those with legal, finance and HR skills – all with one goal in mind of making a positive impact on the lives of the children we serve.

Trustees

Marc Cooper2025-01-14T20:37:36+00:00

Marc brings extensive governance experience in education and the voluntary sector, having held senior roles in education and local authority Children’s Services, including six years as a secondary school Headteacher.

He is currently a trustee for Hull Kingston Rovers Community Trust and an active volunteer with Friends of Alderman Kneeshaw Park and Barton Inclusive FC. Marc has also served as both a parent and staff governor on various governing bodies, demonstrating his long-standing commitment to community and educational development.

Term of office 20.12.23 to 19.12.27

Dr Simon Witham2025-01-14T20:51:35+00:00

Simon is the former Headteacher of Thorpepark Academy, one of the founding schools of Venn Academy Trust, and later became its Executive Headteacher, transforming it into a national support school with a focus on reading and learning behaviour.

As Trust Lead, Simon has overseen the Trust’s growth from 4 to 14 schools, including Euler Academy. Passionate about improving education for all, he has completed a doctorate on reducing low-level disruption and continues to support schools in disadvantaged areas as a National Leader of Education.

Term of office: 29th June 2015 to 29th June 2027. Appointed by Academy Members.

Susan Brummitt2025-01-14T20:42:08+00:00

Sue has extensive experience in primary education, serving as a Headteacher since 2001 and currently as Executive Headteacher of two large primary schools within Horizon Academy Trust. Starting her teaching career in Nottingham, Sue later returned to Hull and East Yorkshire, working in both rural and urban schools.

As Headteacher of Gillshill Primary School, she led it to an Outstanding Ofsted judgment and co-founded Tidal, a successful Teaching School. A National Leader of Education, Sue specialises in curriculum development and leadership team growth, supporting numerous schools across varied settings.

Term of office 13.12.21 to 12.12.25 – Trustee appointed

Terry Johnson (Chair)2025-01-14T20:48:46+00:00

Terry retired in 2013 after a career with Hull City Council and Hull & East Yorkshire Hospitals, where he was instrumental in designing and delivering nationally accredited courses.

He also worked with the Home Office on major incident and mass fatality planning. Passionate about education, Terry is committed to ensuring every child receives the best possible opportunities. By supporting the Trust academies, he strives to help them deliver outstanding education, achieving his ultimate goal of making a meaningful difference.

Term of Office : 29 June 2019 to 28 June 2027 – Members Appointed

Sheila Wallace-Marshall2025-01-14T20:45:11+00:00

Born and educated in Hull, Sheila has extensive experience in primary education, having taught and led in challenging and dynamic schools. As a Headteacher and Local Leader of Education, she supported other schools and collaborated with the local authority on teaching and leadership projects. After retiring, Sheila founded her own business, ‘Educational Excellence’.

A highly experienced governor and Chair of Governors, she brings expertise in school finance, curriculum planning, behaviour management, SEND, and recruitment to benefit pupils and schools.

Term of office: 13th November 2020 to 12th November 2024. Co-opted by Trustees

Chris Fenwick (Vice Chair)2025-01-14T20:46:29+00:00

Chris is a retired computer auditor with 40 years of experience serving in various governor roles. He is passionate about education and firmly believes that every child, regardless of their background or starting point, should have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Through his governance work, Chris remains dedicated to supporting schools in creating environments where all pupils can thrive and succeed.

Term of Office: 29 June 2019 to 28 June 2027 – Member Appointed

Members

Professor Jonathan Glazzard2025-01-14T20:31:35+00:00

Professor Jonathan Glazzard holds the Rosalind Hollis Professorship of Education for Social Justice at the University of Hull. A qualified teacher and researcher, Jonathan previously worked extensively in teacher education, training thousands of trainee teachers.

He has supported numerous schools in implementing effective school improvement strategies, with a particular focus on whole-school approaches to mental health and LGBTQ+ inclusion. An accomplished author, Jonathan has contributed significantly to the field of education, publishing over 40 books.

Member Appointed – 02.01.24

Steven Hodsman2025-01-14T20:33:53+00:00

Steve retired from a career in the police special operations unit in 2016, where he managed police mobilisation and major incident responses.

Bringing extensive experience as a former officer, Steve became involved in school governance in 2010 and served as a National Leader of Governance (NLG), supporting trusts and academies across the North of England. He currently chairs the Board of Trustees at Delta Academies Trust, oversees safeguarding, and has recently joined the Regional Advisory Board for Yorkshire and the Humber.

Member appointed 01.05.24

Neil Catterson2025-01-14T20:49:31+00:00
Neil Catterson is a senior manager in the probation service and a former local authority social care manager, with extensive experience in strategic and operational leadership.

He has worked extensively with marginalised and socially excluded individuals, developing a deep understanding of complex social, psychological, and personal factors. Committed to diversity and equality, Neil brings expertise in safeguarding, HR, recruitment, and staff supervision. His background in managing budgets and facilities equips him with the skills to support Venn’s diverse settings effectively.

Member appointed 08.07.20
Mike Dickinson2025-01-14T20:39:05+00:00

Mike is a professional engineer with over 50 years of experience, including 30 years in the Royal Air Force. Following his military career, he transitioned to managing large infrastructure and rail projects for international companies across the globe.

Mike is passionate about ensuring all children have access to quality education, enabling them to explore and achieve their full potential. His extensive expertise and global perspective bring valuable insights to his work in supporting educational opportunities for young people.

Member appointed 17.02.16

“The curriculum is designed to ensure that all children make progress in their learning.”

Brooke Primary Academy, Ofsted

“Parents appreciate the school’s efforts to engage with families and build strong community links.”

Brooke Primary Academy, Ofsted

“Leaders consider teachers’ workload. This helps teachers to focus on planning interesting lessons.”

Mountbatten Primary School, Ofsted

“Staff work effectively together to create a caring and inclusive environment where all pupils are valued.”

Brooke Primary Academy, Ofsted

“Pupils are happy and enjoy their learning.”

Griffin Primary School, Ofsted

“The school’s values of ‘confidence, resilience and perseverance’ shine through the curriculum and the positive attitudes of staff and pupils.”

The Venn Boulevard Centre, Ofsted

“Pupils are eager to learn and enjoy a curriculum that is both engaging and broad, supporting their academic and personal growth.”

Mountbatten Primary School, Ofsted

“Leaders have high expectations of pupils. Staff share a determination to help children succeed.”

Griffin Primary School, Ofsted

“Parents value the commitment of staff in helping their children to succeed.”

Whitehouse Pupil Referral Unit , Ofsted

“Staff are skilled at helping pupils to re-engage with their learning and make good progress.”

Whitehouse Pupil Referral Unit , Ofsted

“Strong leadership ensures that all pupils make excellent progress in their learning and personal development.”

The Sullivan Centre, Ofsted

“Relationships between staff and pupils are extremely caring and positive. Pupils feel safe and supported, preparing them well for life beyond school.”

The Venn Boulevard Centre, Ofsted

“Leaders are ambitious for every pupil and provide a curriculum that meets their diverse needs.”

Thorpepark Academy, Ofsted

“The school’s inclusive ethos ensures that every child feels valued, supported, and able to thrive.”

New Pastures Primary School, Ofsted

“There is a strong team culture within the school. Teachers who are new to the school welcome the support they receive.”

Mountbatten Primary School, Ofsted

“Teachers help every pupil do their best. The staff know pupils’ needs extremely well and tailor learning to enable all pupils to thrive.”

Euler Academy, Ofsted

“The school provides a safe and supportive environment for pupils with a range of additional needs.”

Whitehouse Pupil Referral Unit , Ofsted

“Pupils are enthusiastic learners and enjoy the varied and engaging curriculum on offer.”

Marshland Primary Academy, Ofsted

“The school expects great things from all pupils. They successfully meet these goals and make superb progress in their understanding of different subjects.”

Euler Academy, Ofsted

“Parents and carers appreciate the school’s focus on building strong relationships and engaging with the wider community.”

New Pastures Primary School, Ofsted

“Leaders ensure that the curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of all pupils, enabling them to succeed academically and personally.”

Bridgeview Special School, Ofsted

“They are committed to including all pupils in the school and work hard to ensure that they achieve well.”

Griffin Primary School, Ofsted

“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.”

Bridgeview Special School, Ofsted

“Teachers have high expectations, which encourages pupils to strive for their best.”

Marshland Primary Academy, Ofsted

“Pupils thrive in a nurturing and inclusive environment.”

The Sullivan Centre, Ofsted

“Parents are overwhelmingly positive about the school and the difference it has made to their children.”

The Sullivan Centre, Ofsted

“The school is a vibrant and welcoming place where pupils feel safe and supported.”

Marshland Primary Academy, Ofsted

“There is a strong sense of teamwork among staff, which contributes to the school’s positive ethos.”

Thorpepark Academy, Ofsted

“Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary, and they show a strong sense of belonging to the school community.”

Thorpepark Academy, Ofsted

“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.”

Euler Academy , Ofsted

“The school provides high-quality nurture and skilled support, ensuring pupils flourish both academically and personally.”

The Venn Boulevard Centre, Ofsted

“Leaders are determined to provide pupils with the best possible start to their education, ensuring that all pupils achieve well.”

New Pastures Primary School, Ofsted

“The school provides a highly nurturing environment where pupils feel valued and supported.”

Bridgeview Special School, Ofsted