Activate Learning Education Trust
Trustee Vacancy Information
We are currently seeking a trustee to join the board of Activate Learning Education Trust, a trust of 6 schools, with an annual budget of 27 million.
As a trustee/director your key responsibilities will be to:
- Ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
- Hold executive leaders to account – both for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils and the effective and efficient performance management of staff
- Oversee the organisation’s financial performance and ensure its funds are directed to the best possible educational outcomes for young people
By volunteering as a trustee/ director you will be responsible for contributing to the strategic decision-making of the board, helping the trust to realise immediate and long-term goals, and ultimately ensuring transparency, accountability and challenge.
About Activate Learning Education Trust
https://www.alet.org.uk/
Activate Learning Education Trust (ALET) comprises six schools: two secondary schools with sixth forms and four University Technical Colleges (UTCs), which cater to students aged 14 to 19. UTCs are specialist institutions focused on technical and vocational education, designed for students with high ability who are aiming to progress into higher education or advanced apprenticeships. These schools maintain strong partnerships with major employers, who often contribute directly to the curriculum and offer work placements.
All four UTCs in ALET follow the original UTC model, admitting students at age 14 (Year 10). Students typically move from a mainstream secondary school at the end of Year 9 to complete their GCSEs at the UTC, where they study core subjects like English, Maths, and Science alongside industry-related subjects such as engineering, computer science, cyber security, and product design. Most students remain at the UTC for sixth form, combining A-levels—often in Maths and Sciences—with advanced technical qualifications. While many go on to university, a significant number also pursue apprenticeships aligned with their specialisms.
All ALET schools were rated ‘Good’ at their last Ofsted inspection, with one exception, which received a ‘Requires Improvement’ rating but was still judged ‘Good’ in Personal Development and Sixth Form provision. The trust is actively exploring growth opportunities, including the potential to welcome more secondary schools and, possibly, primary schools in the future. While no formal expansion plans are in place, new trustees will have the opportunity to shape this strategic direction.
The trust is governed by a board of nine trustees from diverse professional backgrounds. Two committees—Education Standards and Finance, Audit & Risk—oversee key operational areas. Finances are well-managed, with trustees maintaining close scrutiny over budgets. While UTCs can carry additional cost pressures due to their smaller size and sixth forms, the trust has adequate reserves and ensures prudent financial planning. An external governance review was completed last year, with all recommendations implemented, helping to ensure ALET’s governance is robust and future-ready. The current chair is a senior executive in the motor industry with BMW and has served as chair for just over a year, though he has been involved with the trust for longer.
Joining ALET’s board is a meaningful opportunity to support innovative education in a trust that operates more UTCs than any other in the country. With only 44 UTCs nationally, ALET plays a key role in preparing students for careers in technology and engineering, helping to address the UK’s growing skills gap. New trustees will be part of a dynamic and forward-thinking board that contributes to the trust’s strategic development and expansion. There are also leadership development opportunities for those interested in taking on roles such as committee chair, vice chair, or even chair of the board in the future. ALET offers a tailored induction programme, and with two trustee positions open, new appointees will have peer support during their onboarding. The trust is also a member of the National Governance Association and provides access to ongoing online training and resources.
What the trust are looking for
ALET is currently seeking two new trustees to strengthen its board. One trustee will ideally bring experience related to finance, audit, or risk. While a formal accountancy qualification is not required, the ideal candidate will be confident in reading and interpreting financial statements and budgets (currently around £27 million annually) and have experience managing similar-sized budgets. The second trustee is likely to have a background in science, technology, or engineering, although a broader business background with skills in areas such as HR, estates, management, or finance would also be valuable.
The Trust Board meets six times a year, with three meetings held in person—typically in Reading—and three held online. Meetings take place on Thursdays at 5pm and last around two hours. Twice a year, board meetings are preceded by strategic sessions, which may start earlier in the day. Committee meetings are also held throughout the year: the Education Standards Committee meets four times annually, always online on Wednesdays from 5 to 6pm. The Finance Committee also meets four times a year, currently in a mix of in-person and virtual formats. The meeting schedule for this committee is under review, and the incoming trustee may help shape its future timing. Ideally, trustees will live within a reasonable commuting distance of Reading or one of the trust’s school locations in Swindon, Didcot, Bicester, or near Heathrow.
What difference will you make?
Volunteering on an academy trust board is deeply rewarding as it allows you to impact the life chances of young people. Academy trusts support schools to give children a better future. For young people to have the best possible opportunities in later life, it’s vital we have individuals with the right expertise leading schools and holding executive teams accountable. Becoming a trustee is a fantastic opportunity to give back to your local community by strengthening education.
As well as looking for new opportunities to give something back to society, you may be looking for opportunities to build your experience in strategic decision-making at senior level or demonstrate your ability to perform in a non-executive position as part of a portfolio career.
All roles are pro bono
People from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Governing boards should represent the communities they serve, as well as wider society. We welcome interest from underrepresented groups to ensure academy trust boards are diverse in background, skillset, and thought.
Diversity is a powerful instrument for effective governance. Trustees are required to make choices that impact the daily lives of children, from school finance all the way through to staff and pupil recruitment. It’s essential that boards possess a broad set of beliefs, experiences, and ideas to inform their final judgements. We believe that true representation at board level enables all children to fulfil their potential.
Further Information
You can also find out more public information about the Trust on the Get Information About Schools Page: https://www.get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/Groups/Group/Details/15710
On this page you will find a link to the Trust’s record on Companies House.
The following documents provide useful information and reading to any potential trustee: