We know that effective governance and a clearly defined structure is crucial to our Trust’s success.
North West Academies Trust (NWAT) is focused on delivering the best outcomes for pupils, alongside accountability. We are proud to have a team who bring with them a wide range of professional and personal experience to support and challenge both our trust and its schools.
Our Members sign The Memorandum and Articles of Association. They are responsible for establishing the Trust and appointing Trustees.
Our Trustees are responsible for setting the strategic direction of the Trust. They are accountable for the performance of our schools and ensure financial probity. They also link the NWAT Central Governing Body with the Schools’ Governing Bodies.
Our Schools’ Local Governing Bodies:
Please use the links below to find out details of our schools’ Local Governing Bodies:
North West Academies Trust Board Information
Please use the links below to find further information about the NWAT Board:
| Name of Trustee | Date Appointed | Expiry Date | Registered interest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandra Verity Trustee |
01/09/2021 | 01/06/2025 | Governor of University of Chester, Member of Planning and Resources Committee, Chair of Joint Forum; Governor of The Kings School, Chester, Deputy Chair of Governors, Chair of Governance Committee, Chair of Risk & Compliance Committee; Trustee of Cheshire Connect; Director of Bridge Community Farms Ellesmere Port; Trustee of Chester Clergy Family Trust; Magistrate, Family and Criminal Court; Beeston Parish Council |
| Sir John Timpson Member |
17/09/2017 | John is Chairman of British retailer Timpson and has supported several NWAT schools through the Timpson Foundation. He is a director in several other companies none of which have a connection with NWAT. | |
| Brendan Wignall Member and Chair of Trustees |
01/08/2014 | Brendan is headteacher at Ellesmere College, Shropshire | |
| Iain Colledge Member |
20/01/2014 | Iain is Executive Principal of Raha International School and a member of the senior leadership team at Taaleem Education in UAE. | |
| Adrian Walmsley Trustee |
01/08/2014 | 31/07/2022 | Adrian is a Governor of St Martin’s Academy, and a Trustee/Governor at the Queen’s School - both in Chester. |
| Chris Penn Board Member |
17/09/2017 | Chris Penn is appointed Director of Education for the Diocese of Chester. He leads the education department which supports the 116 Church of England schools across the Diocese of Chester. | |
| Steve Docking CEO / Trustee |
01/05/2014 | 30/04/2022 | Steve is CEO of NWAT. A former Headteacher at Delamere Academy, he lives with Wenda Smith, Head of School at St Martin's, and they have two children. |
| Kay Cook Trustee |
01/10/2017 | 30/09/2025 | Kay is a Director at Oliver and Co Solicitors and governor at St Martin's Academy. |
| David Jones Trustee |
01/10/2017 | 01/10/2025 | David retired from his position as a Commercial Manager with Lloyds Bank in April this year after 40 years service. |
| Kirsty Cobb Trustee |
01/10/2017 | 01/10/2025 | Kirsty is Executive Head of the Manchester Office at law firm DWF and former Chair of Governors at Delamere Academy. |