Members

"People used to tell me to look at which young offender's institution my child was going to. Now I'm looking at which university they will go to." - Year 13 parent

"Excellent provision of adapted curriculum to meet the children's individual needs. Everything fun & enjoyable"

"Where do I start?! I am so pleased and grateful for the excellent provision, quality teaching and care that my child has access to in school."

"Fantastic school I personally couldn't have hoped for a better school safe and nurturing environment she always comes home with a smile."

"I think the school overall is great and my son has come on leaps and bounds since being there, he always enjoys school and is always smiling."

"The Trust Olympics 2023 were perfect, awesome and fantastic."

"Brilliant clubs & brilliant staff also."

"My children really enjoy the school clubs both after school and holiday clubs, the staff are amazing."

"We really love the school holiday club and so do the boys."

"I would like to send a message of thanks to everyone who works the clubs and those for organise them too. They are an important resource to our whole family, so thank you."

Our Academies
Admissions & Services

01709 257 277

Members are akin to “shareholders” of the Trust. They should not be involved with the day to day running of the Trust, and they must meet at least once a year (at the Annual General Meeting).

They are the guarantors of the Trust – they have liability to pay up to £10 each if the Trust goes bankrupt.

They are the signatories of the Memorandum of Association and are the only ones who can propose any changes to the Articles of Association (proposed to the Secretary of State).

A Member is not appointed for a term and will typically only leave the role when they choose to. Members must be unpaid.

Below are further details of the Nexus MAT Members:

Mr Peter Leach

Susan O'Brien

Seamus Oates CBE

Mr Andrew Child MBE (Member)

Mrs Rachel Potts (Member)

Mr Peter Leach

Between 1976 and 1987 Peter was employed as a class teacher, and then Deputy Headteacher, in Northumberland and Sheffield schools for children who experience severe and complex learning difficulties. In 1987 he became the Headteacher at Hilltop School and continued to work there until he retired in 2010. During this period the school became established as a centre of excellence with an outstanding inspection record and membership of the Specialist Schools programme.

(Peter Leach Interests & Attendance Data.pdf)

Susan O'Brien

Sue is the Strategic lead for the South Yorkshire Futures Programme at Sheffield Hallam University which aims to work closely with schools and multi academy trusts across the region to support outcomes for all our young people. As a former teacher and experienced teacher educator at Hallam she brings a wealth of experience across a range of schools. She has extensive management experience and has led several initiatives in partnership with schools, local authorities and trusts to help support aspiration and achievements for all young people.

(Susan O'Brien Interests & Attendance Data.pdf)

Seamus Oates CBE

Seamus has worked in Education for over 35 years. As a retired MAT CEO and Executive Headteacher he is currently delivering support as an independent consultant. Seamus is a recognised national leader in the field of Alternative Provision and Special Education. He led the Bridge AP Academy through two outstanding inspections and established one of the first AP MATs which comprised of 11 Alternative Provision and Specialist SEMH Academies. Seamus has spoken at national conferences and sat on several boards including the Youth Justice Board. He is a passionate advocate for vulnerable young people and was awarded a CBE for educational services in 2017.

(Seamus Oates Interests & Attendance Data.pdf)

Mr Andrew Child MBE (Member)

Andy has had a broad career spanning 40 years working for a variety of UK government agencies and departments. He has been involved with school governance since 1988 and has been chair of governing boards in special, primary and secondary schools. He has also delivered training to school governors across South Yorkshire as well as spoken at regional and national conferences on effective school governance. Since taking on a national role in educational governance in 2014, he has worked on a range of initiatives with schools, Local Authorities, Multi Academy Trusts and other educational stakeholders across South Yorkshire and the East Midlands to support and improve governance.

(Andrew Child Interests & Attendance Data.pdf)

Mrs Rachel Potts (Member)

Rachel took early retirement following a 36-year career in the NHS, working in a range of operational management and senior leadership roles. Rachel was Chief Operating Officer and more recently Executive Director of Planning & Governance and has a wealth of relevant experience in all aspects of strategic planning, commissioning, performance delivery, corporate governance and leadership. Rachel has a Master’s Degree in Health & Social Care and many of her successes in the NHS have involved taking a collaborative approach to working in a multi-agency way to deliver service improvements.

(Rachel Potts Interests & Attendance Data (2).pdf)

01709 257 277

info@nexusmat.org

Abbey School

Bader Academy

Becton School

Beech Academy

Breakout Club

Coppice School

Crags Community School

Discovery Academy

Fountaindale School

Heatherwood School

Hilltop School

Kelford School

Kenwood Academy

North Ridge School

Pennine View School

The Willows School

Mr Peter Leach

Susan O'Brien

Seamus Oates CBE

Mr Andrew Child MBE (Member)

Mrs Rachel Potts (Member)

Mr Peter Leach

Susan O'Brien

Seamus Oates CBE

Mr Andrew Child MBE (Member)

Mrs Rachel Potts (Member)

01709 257 277