Trustee/Director

Furness Education Trust (FET) is a seven-school trust based in Barrow-in-Furness. The trust originally grew out of Furness Academy and now includes two secondary schools and five primary schools. All academies in the trust are rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding,’ except for Walney School, which joined the trust in January 2025 with a ‘Requires Improvement’ judgement. Walney School was previously part of another multi-academy trust (MAT), and when that MAT closed, the Department for Education (DfE) asked FET to take over the school due to the trust's capacity to provide support.

While Furness Academy is relatively large and oversubscribed, Walney School is smaller, with room to expand and accommodate more pupils. The trust is actively working to encourage increased pupil intake at Walney. As the two secondary schools are less than three miles apart, there is an opportunity to attract more students to Walney, particularly as it moves onto a firm trajectory of improvement.

FET also supports small rural primary schools with fewer than 90 pupils and mixed-age classes. The trust firmly believes that these schools play a vital role in their communities and is committed to maintaining their quality and sustainability.

Furness Education Trust benefits from the sponsorship and active support of BAE Systems, with several of its trustees holding senior roles within the organisation. The trust is also exploring innovative curriculum opportunities at Walney School, particularly in modern engineering and digital skills, to align with the region’s workforce needs. Additionally, FET is fostering collaboration with George Hastwell School, a neighbouring special school, reinforcing its commitment to regional partnerships and inclusive education.

Furness Education Trust is seeking two experienced educational professionals with expertise in primary and/or secondary education to join its board. Both appointees will serve on the Quality of Education & Standards Committee, with the expectation that one may take on the role of committee chair following the planned departure of the current chair. The trust is looking for individuals who can provide both support and challenge to ensure the highest standards across all its academies.

Ideal candidates will have senior leadership experience across multiple schools, whether within a multi-academy trust, a local authority, or as part of a school improvement initiative. This may include executive leadership roles, school improvement expertise, or consultancy work with a proven track record of driving educational excellence. While familiarity with the Ofsted inspection framework is beneficial, formal inspector training is not required.

The trust’s governance structure includes three committees, including the Quality of Education & Standards Committee. New trustees will be expected to attend all main trust board meetings, which take place four times a year (September, December, March, and July), as well as meetings of the Quality of Education & Standards Committee. Meetings are typically held in person at Furness Academy on Wednesdays at 4:30 pm and last approximately two hours. While in-person attendance is preferred, the trust provides remote access when necessary.

All new trustees will receive an induction programme supported by the governance professional and the trust's governance partner, Judicium. The induction programme includes an introductory visit and meeting, training on GovernorHub, essential reading such as role descriptors and the code of conduct, and an introduction to the National Governance Association training programme. Additionally, all new trustees will be provided with access to Governors for Schools' The First 100 Days as a Trustee e-learning module.

This is an opportunity to contribute strategically to a well-regarded trust that is recognised by the DfE for its capacity and expertise. FET values collaboration and innovation, working closely with BAE Systems and local education providers to enhance curriculum provision and drive regional educational improvement. Trustees will play a key role in shaping the future of the trust, supporting school improvement efforts, and ensuring that all children receive the highest quality education.

If you are an experienced educational leader looking for a meaningful way to give back to the education sector, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding role.

Establishment Information

• Address: Furness Academy, Barrow in Furness, Cumbria, LA13 9BB
• Website: http://www.furnesseducationtrust.co.uk/
• Type of establishment: Multi-academy trust