| After many years of dedicated service, we are saying a fond farewell to Paul, OAK Multi Academy Trust’s Estates Manager, as he prepares for retirement.
Paul’s journey with OAK began before the trust itself was formed. Prior to becoming Estates Manager, he was Site Manager at Manor High School, where he built his experience and worked as part of a strong, committed team. During that time, he played a key role in site improvements and carbon reduction work, laying foundations that would later support the trust’s wider estates development. When OAK Multi Academy Trust was established in 2018, Paul was involved in those early stages and stepped into the role of Estates Manager, supporting the trust as it began to grow and evolve. From that point on, he became a familiar and reassuring presence across all five schools, supporting projects large and small and helping to shape learning environments that children and staff use every day. One of the things Paul has spoken about most fondly is the time spent travelling between schools. “Cycling around our schools on fine sunny days was not like work at all.” Over the years, Paul has been closely involved in a number of complex, high-value projects across the OAK estate. These include major developments such as the sports hall at Manor High School and the Badger Building at Overdale, both of which have had a lasting impact on school communities and will continue to benefit pupils for years to come. While the projects themselves are significant, Paul has always been clear that it is the people he has worked with that matter most to him. He has consistently spoken with appreciation about colleagues across the trust and the understanding shown during essential but often disruptive works. “All of our staff are friendly and understanding, especially when it comes to intrusive construction projects like new heating installations, re-wiring, new roofs and windows. The list goes on, and I thank you all for your patience.” Reflecting on his time with OAK, Paul has seen the Central Team grow in knowledge, experience and capacity, strengthening the support offered to schools and enabling the trust to respond more effectively to changing needs. He leaves with a strong sense of pride in the journey he has been part of and confidence in the trust’s future. As he prepares to step into retirement, Paul’s message to colleagues and communities across OAK is simple, warm and characteristically understated. “Thank you, and of course I will miss you all. On rare occasions I can be found at the Navigation Inn at Kilby Bridge – please pop in for a sherbet.” Paul’s knowledge, commitment and good humour will be greatly missed across OAK Multi Academy Trust. We thank him sincerely for everything he has given over the years and wish him a long, happy and well-earned retirement. |