Leading from the front

WISE Academies is pleased to report that the Chair of our Trust, Bob Symonds, has been approved as a National Leader of Governance (NLG).

NLGs are highly effective chairs of governors who support governors in other schools.

Schools can contact an NLG if they want to improve the leadership and performance of their governing body.

There are strict eligibility criteria that applicants must meet in order to be accredited as an NLG.  Candidates must be an experienced chair of governors with:

  • excellent leadership skills
  • a track record of raising school or academy performance in at least one school
  • the skills to influence improvement by supporting or challenging Headteachers, or principals
  • a track record of implementing and sustaining effective governance in at least one school

In support of his NLG application, Bob was able to demonstrate his strong track record for driving school improvement, evidenced by pupil performance data.  He was also able to draw upon his experience of relationship management within and beyond the school setting.  Bob has been one of the leading exponents of establishing effective governance within WISE Academies.

Bob Symonds commented that “it is a hugely positive reflection upon WISE Academies that I was successful in meeting the requirements of an NLG.  This is a testament to the consistently strong levels of pupil performance and progress that we have seen within our Trust and the improvement that we have seen over the last 3 years”.

Zoe Carr, CEO of WISE Academies, congratulated Bob on achieving this standard.  Mrs Carr is confident that Bob will make a valuable contribution to raising standards of governance in the North East, and that he will be able to use his coaching and mentoring skills to great effect.

Bob Symonds can be contacted via governance@wiseacademies.co.uk