Westminster Academy (WA) is a a non-selective, 11-18 academy and IB World School in Central London. Established in 2006, and proudly sponsored by the Dangoor Family, WA offers a distinctive, internationally-oriented educational programme for circa 1200 pupils aged 11-18. WA is a single academy trust (SAT) with a strong independent spirit, allowing it to be agile, autonomous and constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of its community. The Academy has an annual budget of circa £10m.

Chosen by students in 2013, the Academy's mission statement - "Education is Success" - continues to guide WA today. WA seeks to provide a supportive, inclusive environment in which students develop as confident young adults. It fulfils its mission through the dedication of a talented teaching faculty and support staff; a high-quality, ever-evolving curriculum; individualised academic support; and an extensive extra-curricular activities programme.

In the Sixth Form, students have the opportunity to study the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and Career-related Programmes. This is unusual for the state education sector, and indeed WA is the only non fee-paying school in London to offer these globally recognised qualifications. The IB's own mission to develop ‘caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding’ resonates strongly at Westminster Academy, and the principles contained within IB Learner Profile underpin the Academy's ethos.

Ultimately, WA measures its success not simply on academic outcomes, but on what its students take with them when they leave the Academy and the positive impact they can make on the world. As it looks to the future, WA is focused on improving on its excellent academic profile and securing its position as a trail-blazing and truly distinctive (SAT).

Westminster Academy is a single-academy trust governed by a Board of Trustees. Led by Michael Karp OBE as Chair, the Board determines the general policies and procedures that govern the Academy, while helping to shape, and monitor the implementation of, organisational strategy. The Board ensures that adequate systems of governance and risk management are in place and that the Academy is sustainable and financially viable.

Trustees must ensure that they act in accordance with accepted standards of behaviour in public life (the Nolan Principles). Trustees must also ensure that the Academy's strategy, performance and use of resources are appropriately directed towards furthering its charitable purposes. 

All Trustees play an important role in the business of the Academy and, whilst not being drawn into day-to-day executive management, seek to establish supportive working relationships with the Principal and Chief Executive Officer and other members of the executive team, constructively challenging and adding valuable insight and perspective.

Westminster Academy is seeking a new Trustee with substantial experience as a leader within the UK state education system.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced leader from the English state education system, with close familiarity with academy trusts and the operational and regulatory environment within which they operate. Candidates could have operated as a strategic-level leader within successful single- or multi-academy trusts, or they may have held positions in key sector organisations such as Ofsted or the Department for Education. They will be well-versed in school and trust operations, with their finger firmly on the pulse of the sector. Familiarity with inner-city educational settings would be advantageous but not essential. Prior experience on a Board of Trustees would be welcome but not expected.

Fundamentally, applicants must feel a strong resonance with WA's unique mission, ethos, and independent sprit, and be driven by a desire to do what is best for the Academy and its pupils.

A full list of current Trustees, plus wider governance information, can be found here on the Academy's website.  

This role is unremunerated. There are four main Board meetings per year, plus an annual strategy day. This Trustee will also be expected to join the Curriculum Committee, which meets an additional four times per year. Meetings are currently hybrid in format with online attendance an option, however Trustees are expected to visit the Academy as often as possible and to immerse themselves in school life. The appointment is for a three-year term, which can be renewed at the discretion of the Board.

Westminster Academy is based in West London, close to Royal Oak Tube Station. Occasional in-person attendance at meetings, as well as visits to the Academy, is expected. Candidates will therefore be based within a reasonable commutable distance of the Academy.  

Westminster Academy 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.