Trustee/Director

Fylde Coast Academy Trust (FCAT) is a well-established multi-academy trust (MAT) comprising ten schools, including five primary schools, three secondary schools, and two all-through schools (Nursery to age 16). The majority of schools (eight) are based in Blackpool, with two located in Lancashire. FCAT serves 6,500 pupils and employs 900 staff, with 45% of students eligible for Pupil Premium. Many of the communities served by the trust experience significant socio-economic disadvantage, and FCAT is committed to improving educational outcomes for all pupils.

The trust has undergone a range of Ofsted inspections in recent years. While some schools have demonstrated strong improvement, others have faced challenges. In December 2024, one of the all-through schools was rated as requiring special measures. Although some areas of the school were judged to be ‘Good,’ others were found to be ‘Inadequate.’ FCAT leaders have taken swift action and are awaiting a decision from the Department for Education (DfE) regarding the school’s future. The trust intends to make representations to retain the school and drive improvement.

Despite these challenges, several FCAT schools are strong performers, including Hambleton Primary, which retained its ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted rating in December 2024. Many other schools within the trust are currently rated ‘Good.’ Trust leaders are confident that they have the skills, expertise, and capacity to continue driving school improvement across the MAT.

The trust was initially formed through the Free Schools Programme, which provided new schools in the area. Armfield Academy, the most recent addition, joined in 2018. There are currently no plans for further expansion, with leadership focused on consolidating and improving existing schools. FCAT operates on an annual grant income of approximately £50 million and holds a healthy financial reserve to manage cost pressures. Falling birth rates are affecting pupil numbers, and leaders have taken proactive steps to address this.

Fylde Coast Academy Trust is seeking to appoint up to three new trustees, each bringing strategic expertise to the board. New trustees will preferably have expertise and senior leadership experience in either primary education, business, risk, community engagement, or finance.

Educationalist applicants will offer insight, challenge, and support in improving primary provision across the trust. This individual should have experience of working across multiple schools, either within a multi-academy trust (MAT), local authority (LA), or school improvement consultancy. Expertise may include curriculum development, staff training, leadership development, or inspection processes. A strong understanding of the Ofsted inspection framework would be beneficial, although direct inspection experience is not essential. The successful candidate will be invited to join the Curriculum & Standards Committee, where they will play a vital role in driving school improvement and ensuring high educational standards.

Other trustees will have broader business and strategic leadership experience. The trust would particularly welcome applications from individuals with expertise in strategic planning, risk management, change management, finance, or stakeholder engagement. These skills will complement the existing governance expertise on the board and will support the trust’s long-term strategic vision and sustainability.

Trustees are expected to attend four board meetings per year, held in September, December, March, and July. The September meeting is dedicated to reviewing the previous summer’s pupil performance, while the remaining meetings cover general governance matters. Meetings take place on Tuesdays at 4.45pm and typically last up to two hours.

In addition to board meetings, the trust operates three committees: Curriculum & Standards, Audit & Risk, and Finance & Resources. These committees also meet on Tuesdays, lasting up to 90 minutes each. The Curriculum & Standards Committee meets at 4.45pm, the Audit & Risk Committee at 4.30pm, and the Finance & Resources Committee at 5.15pm. New trustees will ideally join the committee most aligned to their skill set and interests. While FCAT provides the option for trustees to join meetings remotely when necessary, it is expected that successful applicants will attend in person whenever possible.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a dynamic and ambitious trust that is committed to improving education for thousands of children. FCAT has recently undergone leadership renewal, with a new CEO appointed 18 months ago and a new Chair in place since last year. Trustees will play a critical role in supporting and challenging school leaders to drive improvement, raise ambition, and enhance educational outcomes.

For education leaders, this is a chance to work strategically with a highly committed team, making a tangible impact on school improvement and leadership development. For business leaders, it offers the opportunity to apply commercial expertise in a sector that transforms lives and communities.

FCAT welcomes applications from experienced education professionals, business leaders, and governance specialists who are passionate about school improvement, governance, and making a lasting difference. All new trustees will be supported by the Chair and Governance Professional through their onboarding and will also be provided with access to Governors for Schools\’ The First 100 Days as a Trustee e-learning module.

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