Member Article

Focus-Trust appoints new Education Director

Newly created role to ensure best practice is shared across all 15 schools

Focus Trust, a charitable, multi-academy trust with 15 primary schools based in the North-West of England, has appointed Michael Rowland as its new Education Director.

Formerly the Headteacher at Thornhill Junior and Infant School, a position he held for almost 10 years, Michael will now oversee and lead on the Trust’s school improvement programme across all of its schools.

As part of the newly created role, he is tasked with creating the necessary platforms to allow for the sharing of best practice and resources amongst the leadership team, teachers and wider support staff, while also supporting the head teachers to maintain each school’s own individuality and unique qualities.

It forms part of Focus’ continued efforts to ensure the learning of all children and adults is valued and promoted.

Joining Focus Trust in 2016, Michael boasts a ‘wide range of experience and a proven track record for sustainable improvement’.

Focus Trust, whose vision is “learning together, making the difference”, also made the decision this year to make publicly available its articles, blogs and resources in their ‘Learning Together’ website. A collaborative approach has never been more important than now, after what has been ‘an extraordinary year’.

Growing up in Blackpool, Michael attended no less than four different primary schools as a child, he now would’ve been labelled a ‘FSM’ or ‘Disadvantaged’ child. Now, he uses his experience to make informed decisions for all children in his care.

Michael can be described as ‘passionate’ about Primary education, and that as a people person himself relationships are at the heart of all we do. Michael aims to facilitate a change in the negative narrative around academies, saying no to one-size-fits all solutions and learning from each unique school’s approach.

Welcoming him to his new position, Helen Rowland said: “Michael’s passion and commitment to the sharing of best practice in order to improve the quality of learning for both our children and our colleagues is admirable, and he is a very welcome addition to our leadership team.

“Joining us as a former Focus Trust headteacher means he has the hands-on experience needed for this role, including true empathy for the challenges and difficulties that those in the teaching profession have faced over the last year or so.

“His ethos around Primary Education is something everyone can learn from and embodies our collective values at Focus-Trust.”

Commenting on his new role Michael said: “I am beyond thrilled to be moving to be the Education Director at Focus-Trust, primary education is something I am very passionate about.

“Having worked within the Trust for 5 years, I have strong relationships with all headteachers, and I know their schools well so I feel like I can really hit the ground running. I am excited about this new role and the opportunities, challenges and adventures ahead.”

Focus Academy Trust – a charitable primary schools trust which is based in the North West of England and West Yorkshire with a vision of providing great schools at the heart of communities where children thrive, achieve and succeed.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Isabella Storey .