A leading Cumbrian educator has been elected to a national forum to bring the voice of school staff and pupils across South Cumbria to the Government.
Professor Andrew Wren is one of 36 trust leaders across the country to join the new policy advisory group established by the Confederation of School Trusts.
He was among 125 nominees put forward for election to the group and was voted in by members of CST.
Prof Wren, CEO of South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust in Barrow, said he was delighted to be selected as one of the North West region representatives.
“This new forum will be a vital voice for educators to help shape policy that can influence the direction of our sector,” he said.
“It is so important that the decision makers get a frontline view of what is happening in our schools to bring about impactful and positive change and I am determined to get the best deal for schools in the area.”
The group’s role will be to develop policy positions for the sector to share with policymakers and ministers. This week Prof Wren met with others representatives at the CST national conference where Secretary of State for Education Bridget Phillipson gave the keynote speech.
“With a new government in place there will be a fresh perspective and a new set of priorities,” said Prof Wren.
“Listening to the Education Secretary, her priorities are SEND, attendance and investment in teachers’ pay and school buildings. We are looking forward to hearing more detail and playing a role in how improvements will be delivered.”
South Cumbria Multi-Academy Trust has six schools across Barrow – Chetwynde, Ormsgill, Vickerstown, South Walney Juniors, Cambridge Primary and Newbarns Primary and Nursery School.
Victoria Infant and Nursery School, South Walney Infant and Nursery School, Ramsden Infant and Nursery School and Greengate Junior School are associate members.
The Confederation of School Trusts is the sector body for school trusts and represents over 75 per cent of all academies. It works with governments, civil servants, agencies and other organisations
