Wandle Learning Trust (WLT) is an ambitious multi-academy trust, comprising four Good and Outstanding schools for children and young people aged 2 - 19. The Trust was founded by two Wandsworth-based schools, Chesterton Primary and Chestnut Grove, in 2018. The successful and established Wandle Learning Partnership, which provides a wide range of ITT (Initial Teacher Training) and CPD (Continuing Professional Development) to schools and individuals across London, was also a founding member of the Trust.

WLT also includes one of the UK’s leading phonics systems (Little Wandle Letters and Sounds Revised) with programs in over 4000 primary schools across the UK, leveraging the excellent teaching of phonics in its own schools for the benefit of a much wider audience.

Wandle Learning Partnership, the Trust's teacher and curriculum development arm, plays a lead role in improving schools both within WLT and across the country. Trust schools have access to a variety of centrally provided services across a wide range of school operations, including back-office functions, high quality teaching and learning developments and outstanding professional development opportunities for all staff.

As a multi-academy trust, WLT is united in the belief that there is no more important role than making a positive difference to children’s lives. The Trust does this through its inclusive, broad, and balanced curriculum, to make sure that children of all abilities leave its schools feeling seen, inspired, and empowered by their education. Looking to the future, WLT is looking to grow sustainably whilst maintaining the high level of education provided by the Trust schools. With three schools possibly joining the Trust over the next twelve months, the Trust is confident in its ambitions to grow further in the years to come. 

Wandle Learning Trust is governed by a Board of Trustees whose prime responsibility is to ensure that all of its schools provide the best education for its pupils. The Board has a duty to ensure its charitable objectives are adhered to. It comprises a group of people who voluntarily contribute a varied and differing range of experiences and skills applicable to the functions of the Trust.

Trustees focus on the three core functions of governance:

1. Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
2. Holding executive leaders to account
3. Overseeing and ensuring effective educational and financial performance

As it looks towards its exciting future, Wandle Learning Trust seeks up to two new Trustees. Candidates will have a strong connection with the South London communities the Trust serves, and could come from a range of backgrounds, including:

Non-profit / public sector leadership - senior leaders in public sector, non-profit or non-governmental organisations, particularly those with a focus on working with families and / or communities.

Educational leadership - particularly those with experience of school or system leadership with multi-academy trusts or educational non-profits. Individuals who may not be senior leaders but who have deep specialism in areas such as SEND or safeguarding are encouraged to apply.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) specialists - individuals with detailed and up-to-date knowledge of key DEI principles, best practices and legal regulations. Both consultants and in-house specialists are welcome to apply.

All candidates must bring a strong understanding of the governance role and how it differs from executive leadership. Previous board-level experience would be beneficial, but is not a requirement for the role. Above all, candidates will be aligned with Wandle Learning Trust's belief in the importance of education in making a positive difference to children’s lives.

You can read more about the Board of Trustees here.

This role is unremunerated, but reasonable, pre-agreed expenses will be paid. There are six Board meetings per year, which take place at one of the Trust schools on weekday evenings, and tend to last 90 minutes. There is also an annual strategy away day. Occasional visits to the Trust's academies are also encouraged to better understand its work. This role is for an initial term of four years, which can be renewed at the discretion of the Board.

As engagement with the local community is expected, candidates will either be local to South London, or will be aware of the challenges that South London-based communities face and be willing to travel for meetings and events. 

Wandle Learning Trust welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, belief or disability. As those from ethnic minority and lower socio-economic backgrounds are currently under-represented on the Board, applications from those individuals would be particularly encouraged. 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.