The Kemnal Academies Trust (TKAT) is one of the largest multi-academy trusts in England, with 45 academies spread across London, Kent, Sussex, Surrey, and Hampshire. Established in 2009 as a single academy trust centred on Kemnal Technology College, TKAT has grown rapidly, spurred by its strong reputation for taking on underperforming schools and improving them. Today the Trust has an annual operating budget in excess of £160m and employs around 3,200 staff, giving it enormous scope for positive impact.

The Trust emphasises a nurturing and inclusive environment that promotes academic achievement, personal development, and well-being. TKAT is dedicated to delivering high-quality education, fostering confident, independent learners who are prepared for the challenges of the modern world. It aims for all of its schools to be Ofsted Good or better, for outcomes for all pupils to be at least at national average or better, and to be closing attainment gaps every year for disadvantaged and underachieving children.

In 2022, TKAT launched a Strategic Intent Framework for the period up to 2025. The framework outlined five key pillars which over the coming years will provide the structure via which the Trust will deliver its aims: working as an integrated team; supporting those most in need; improving educational outcomes; becoming an employer of choice; and providing a sustainable infrastructure.

A key feature of local governance at TKAT are the Local Governing Bodies (LGBs). While TKAT's Board of Trustees oversees the management and administration of the charity as a whole, LGBs provide Trustees with an independent local voice. They combine a passion to make a difference with common sense and a unique perspective. This means their challenge and support compliments how the Board holds schools to account. They have the flexibility to structure and organise themselves in ways that best benefit their community and stakeholders. The LGB’s responsibilities are set out in a Scheme of Delegation which is available here.

This particular opportunity is for a Chair to lead the LGBs of two of TKAT's primary schools in East Sussex: Pebsham Primary Academy and Ore Village Primary Academy. By having a single Chair across two local Boards, the Trust intends to foster a greater sense of collaboration and connectedness between the two Schools. 

Pebsham Primary Academy joined TKAT in January 2014. Situated in Bexhill-on-Sea, it is a one-form-entry school for around 200 pupils aged 3-11. In its last Ofsted inspection in 2019 it received a 'Good' judgement. The School offers a rounded curriculum which is underpinned by outdoor learning, and specifically 'beach learning', taking advantage of its coastal location.

Ore Village Primary Academy opened in September 2013. Located in Hastings, the School serves around 350 pupils aged 3-11. Its educational programme centres on an innovative curriculum designed to help pupils develop a thirst for learning, master a range of skills, and expand their minds. It received a 'Good' judgement in its last Ofsted inspection in 2018.

The specific tasks and responsibilities of Local Governing Bodies can be summarised as follows:

• Represent the Academies' local communities and stakeholders by ensuring that each Academy’s policies and practice meet the community’s needs
• Ensure that each Academy’s long-term vision reflects the needs of their communities beyond current post-holders and is in line with TKAT’s vision and values
• Support the Directors of Education to improve Academies' outcomes
• Support the Headteachers to ensure staffing is efficient and effective

TKAT now seeks a Chair to lead the Local Governing Bodies of two of its primary schools in East Sussex: Pebsham Primary Academy and Ore Village Primary Academy. 

The Trust is open to candidates with a range of different backgrounds. The role would suit someone who has operated at a strategic-level in their executive career, who understands the difference between governance and management, and has the interpersonal skills and confidence required to lead the two Boards. Previous Chair or school Governor experience is welcome, but not essential.

Above all, the appointed individual must embody TKAT's values and be a champion for the Trust's high quality, aspirational educational programme.

Further information on the LGBs and existing Governors can be found here(Ore Village) and here(Pebsham).

The Chair will be appointed on a four year term, which is renewable. There are six Board meetings per year for each of the two schools, meaning 12 in total. Meetings are generally hybrid in format, though it is expected that the Chair will attend as many in-person as possible. These take place on-site at the Schools. Each LGB also has one or two Sub-Committees, which the Chair may decide to sit on. Occasional school visits and attendance at regular and ad hoc events is expected and encouraged. This is a pro bono role, however reasonable travel expenses are covered for attendance at meetings.

The two Schools are situated roughly six miles from each other on the East Sussex coast. Since school visits and in-person meetings are encouraged, candidates will most likely be based within a reasonable commutable distance of the area. However, applicants based further afield who have a connection with the area or simply a deep interest in supporting the education sector are also welcome to apply. 

TKAT welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, belief or disability. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.