| 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. |
At OAK Multi Academy Trust, we believe that supporting the people who work in our schools is fundamental to providing the best possible education for children.
In the short film below, staff and leaders share how OAK’s approach to professional development, coaching and wellbeing supports them in their roles and helps them grow with confidence.
“People First at Oak Multi Academy Trust”
Investing in professional development
Across OAK, staff development is prioritised through structured coaching and ongoing professional learning. This approach supports teachers to reflect on their practice, build effective habits and continually improve in a supportive environment.
Strong professional development leads to stronger outcomes for children.
Creating a supportive working culture
Staff wellbeing is an important part of everyday life across Oak schools. Dedicated wellbeing support, thoughtful use of space and a culture of openness help staff feel supported, motivated and equipped to do their best work.
Growing together as a trust
As a family of schools, OAK Multi Academy Trust works collaboratively to support staff and leaders at every stage of their career. Schools joining Oak become part of an organisation that values people, learning and shared responsibility.
At OAK, putting people first helps everyone thrive — staff, leaders and, most importantly, the children in our care.
At OAK Multi Academy Trust, inclusion is not something that sits separately from everyday school life. It is part of who we are and how our schools support children and families.
In the short film below, parents and staff share what inclusive practice looks like in action across our schools — from specialist support within mainstream settings to the sense of belonging that comes from being part of a caring school community.
“Inclusion in Action at Oak Multi Academy Trust”]
Supporting individual needs within a mainstream community
Across OAK, specialist provision is embedded within mainstream schools. This allows children with additional or complex needs to receive tailored support while still accessing the wider school experience, building friendships and feeling part of everyday school life.
Every child is different, and our approach reflects that understanding.
Working closely with families
Strong relationships with families sit at the heart of inclusive practice. By listening, understanding and working together, our schools aim to create environments where children feel supported and parents feel confident in the care and education their child receives.
Parents in our film speak about the difference this has made — not just for their children, but for their whole family.
A genuine sense of belonging
Inclusion is about more than support structures. It is about belonging, community and feeling valued.
Across OAK Multi Academy Trust, our schools work hard to ensure every child is welcomed, understood and able to thrive as part of a wider school community.
At OAK Multi Academy Trust, we believe education should prepare young people not only for exams, but for life beyond school. In the short film below, staff and pupils share what this looks like in practice across our schools — from academic learning and leadership opportunities to confidence, aspiration and wider experiences.
“More Than Results: Preparing Young People for Life at Oak”
At OAK, our vision for young people is simple.
We want them to leave our schools with the best qualifications they can achieve, opening doors to future opportunities. Just as importantly, we want them to leave as confident, capable and kind individuals.
Across our family of schools, education is about more than exam results alone. It is about supporting young people to grow, develop and thrive — both in and beyond the classroom.
Learning that builds confidence and character
Our schools provide a wide range of opportunities for pupils to develop leadership skills, work with others and step outside their comfort zones. Through enrichment and extracurricular activities, young people are encouraged to discover their strengths, build confidence and develop as well-rounded individuals.
These experiences play a vital role in helping pupils grow as people, not just learners.
Supporting learning through technology
Technology plays an important role across OAK schools, but always as a tool to enhance great teaching, not replace it. Digital learning supports pupils to articulate their thinking more clearly, explore ideas in different ways and approach learning with confidence.
By reducing fear of failure and giving pupils more opportunities to demonstrate what they know, technology helps create positive, supportive learning environments.
Broadening horizons and building aspiration
A strong education should widen horizons. Across OAK, we focus on building cultural capital by ensuring pupils experience new things, explore different opportunities and feel inspired about what the future could hold.
By combining academic learning with enrichment, leadership and wider experiences, we aim to prepare young people not just for their next step in education, but for life beyond school.
Working together for every child
As a trust, our schools work closely together to share expertise, support one another and create the best possible experiences for children and families. This collaborative approach allows us to provide consistency, care and opportunity at every stage of a child’s journey.
At OAK Multi Academy Trust, we are proud to offer an education that is truly more than results — one that prepares young people for the future with confidence, ambition and choice.
Supporting Strong Governance and Meaningful Change Across OAK
Since joining OAK Multi Academy Trust in January 2021, Danielle Benyon-Payne has played a key role in strengthening governance, compliance and sustainability across the trust. Starting during a national lockdown, Danielle’s first weeks in post were unusual, but they marked the beginning of a role that has grown significantly in scope and impact.
Before joining OAK, Danielle spent 12 years at the University of Leicester, working within the Medical School as an events coordinator. During this time, she worked closely with staff, leaders and stakeholders to embed new ways of working and deliver successful events, developing strong experience in organisation, research and strategic thinking.
Alongside governance, Danielle’s role also includes arranging trust-wide events and competitions, allowing her to continue her interest in engagement and communication. A year ago, she also took on the role of Trust Sustainability Lead, working alongside colleagues to drive forward environmental priorities across the trust. With previous experience leading green impact awards, she is particularly passionate about the impact of well-planned, strategic change.
“This combination of strategic leadership and meaningful environmental purpose is exactly the type of work I’m passionate about.”
A Broad and Influential Role
Governance at trust level is wide-ranging, and Danielle’s role spans compliance, advice and strategic support. She works closely with trustees and local governing bodies to ensure statutory responsibilities are met, governance structures are effective, and communication between governance tiers is clear and consistent.
Her work includes governor training and development, policy guidance, GDPR and data protection, complaints and FOI processes, website compliance, and the coordination of trust board and local governing body activity. Within sustainability, she supports the development of Climate Action Plans for each school and ensures governors have the information and frameworks they need to provide effective oversight.
At the heart of this work is enabling governors and trustees to challenge and support effectively, always with pupils at the centre.
Why Governance Matters
Danielle is clear about the importance of governance in education.
“Good governance is fundamental to school improvement.”
Strong governance provides strategic oversight, ensures resources are used effectively, and supports safeguarding and inclusion. It helps schools meet the needs of all pupils, particularly those who are disadvantaged, have SEND, or face barriers to learning and wellbeing.
She also highlights that governance in a multi-academy trust operates across distinct layers, with trustees providing strategic leadership and accountability at trust level, and local governors offering valuable local insight into individual schools. Partnership working between governance, trust leaders and school leaders is essential to ensuring consistency, accountability and improvement.
Looking Ahead
This year, Danielle’s priorities include strengthening governor training and induction, widening skill sets through recruitment, developing succession planning, improving accountability processes, and increasing engagement between governing bodies and parents and carers. Across both governance and sustainability, her focus remains on bringing people together around shared goals.
“It’s rewarding to bring people together around a shared vision and watch sustainability become something that drives pride, innovation and meaningful change across the trust.”
Ultimately, Danielle sees governance as a shared responsibility that underpins everything the trust does.
Effective governance, she says, is about pupils and the communities they serve, and about creating the conditions in which schools, leaders and young people can succeed.
As Chief Executive Officer of OAK Multi Academy Trust, Andy Wilson leads a family of schools united by a shared vision: Together we grow great schools. Since joining OAK in January 2022, Andy has worked closely with colleagues across the trust to strengthen collaboration, leadership and strategic development.
A Passion for Education and Helping Others
Andy’s commitment to improving lives began early. As a school pupil, he travelled to The Gambia to support community projects, helping to improve irrigation through a well. Two years later, at 18, he returned to co-lead the next group of pupils, supporting further initiatives including the building of classrooms to enhance education in the village. These experiences shaped his desire to contribute positively to communities.
At the age of 30, Andy decided to pursue his long-held ambition to teach. He retrained as a secondary mathematics teacher and went on to spend 20 years teaching mathematics from Year 5 to Further Mathematics at Year 13. He led mathematics departments and served as assistant principal, vice principal and then principal, before moving into an Executive Principal role overseeing five secondary schools during the Covid period.
When the opportunity to lead OAK arose at the end of 2021, Andy recognised the potential to build strong governance and strategic leadership across the trust’s schools.
Collaboration at the Heart of OAK
For Andy, the most enjoyable part of his role is visiting schools and working directly with colleagues and pupils. As he explains:
“It is very important for me to receive feedback from the schools, as I firmly believe that our greatest resource is our colleagues, alongside the perceptive student voice that we are fortunate to hear from our young people. Working with schools in this collaborative way allows us to build relationships, support one another, and work towards our shared vision of ‘together we grow great schools.’”
He highlights collaboration as a defining strength of OAK:
“This collaborative nature, where schools and leaders buy in and seek to support partner schools, makes us genuinely special.”
Andy also values the individual identities of each school, which he says are crucial to the trust’s collective voice and approach.
Driving Innovation and Inclusion
Andy’s priorities for the trust focus on a small number of strategic areas, including:
- Digital transformation, with the Frontiers iPad programme expanding to all OAK schools.
- Instructional coaching, ensuring Steplab is fully embedded and continually developing.
- SEND provision, including the opening of a new SEND unit at Overdale in January 2026.
- Investment in early years, particularly in outdoor spaces and facilities.
- Sustainability, to support future generations.
- Strengthening central team capacity, including finance, HR and people development.
He notes that the digital programme is a tool to enhance learning, not a strategy in itself, and emphasises the importance of high-quality teaching supported by thoughtful use of technology.
Looking to the Future
Andy’s leadership is rooted in the trust’s values of Opportunity, Achievement and Kindness and the guiding vision of growing great schools together. He approaches decision making by focusing on a small number of key improvement areas, conducting careful research and planning to minimise barriers.
He explains:
“My principles then focus on ensuring that we identify a small number of important improvement areas. We research carefully the opportunities and the potential obstacles and plan effectively to minimise barriers for improving and developing our schools and the opportunities and lives for colleagues and students within them.”
Looking ahead, Andy is proud of the direction the trust is taking:
“I am very proud of our colleagues, young people, communities, and a special mention goes to our incredible local governing bodies and trustees who have worked with us to ensure outstanding governance and a commitment to high-level, appropriate support and challenge. This strategic approach means we are at the beginning of an exciting next phase of our journey together as Oak.”
| We are delighted to announce the winners of this year’s OAK Multi Academy Trust Christmas Card Competition 2025. Pupils across our schools have once again embraced the festive spirit, producing an incredible range of creative, colourful and heartfelt designs.
The standard of entries was exceptionally high, and choosing our top three proved a real challenge. Each design showcased imagination, skill and a genuine sense of festive joy. Thank you to every pupil who took part. Your effort and creativity highlight the extraordinary talent we have across the trust. And the winners are …Runner up: Anastasia, Woodland Grange Primary School, Year 4 Anastasia used her iPad so creatively to design Christmas Trees of the Past, Present and Future. It is clear so much thought has gone into this complicated design.
🥉 3rd Place: Haris, Woodland Grange Primary School, Year 6 Haris impressed the judges with excellent use of texture, especially the striking swirly sky. The technique of colour drenching beautifully conveyed the intensity of a wintry blizzard, creating a vivid and atmospheric festive scene.
🥈 2nd Place: Sameer, Manor High School, Year 7 Sameer’s design stood out for its detail, texture and thoughtful use of mixed art materials. The accurate perspective and nostalgic imagery evoked warm feelings of Christmases past. The judges were particularly impressed by the craftsmanship and depth in the piece.
🥇 1st Place: Clara, Overdale Junior School, Year 4 A huge congratulations to Clara, whose design has been selected as the winner of the OAK Trust Christmas Card Competition 2025. Her artwork is wonderfully bright and colourful and carries a clear message of kindness, one of our core OAK Trust values and a perfect reflection of what Christmas is all about. The judges admired the beautiful glow around the tree and her creative use of the iPad to bring the design to life.
As this year’s winner, Clara’s design will be printed and shared as the official OAK Trust Christmas card. She will also receive copies to share with friends and family. Celebrating Creativity Across Our TrustAll three winners will receive prizes, and we extend a heartfelt thank you to every pupil who submitted an entry. The thought, care and imagination poured into each design made this year’s competition truly special. We are incredibly proud of the artistic talent shining across our schools and cannot wait to see what our pupils create next year. Well done to Clara, Sameer, Haris and Anastasia, and festive congratulations to all who took part. 🎄✨ |
At Overdale Junior School, pupils and teachers have embraced the iPad Frontiers Programme with enthusiasm and creativity. After just a term and a half, classrooms are alive with curiosity, independence and new ways of learning.
Teachers are using iPads to support every subject. In maths, lessons and resources are shared through the Showbie app, allowing pupils to watch videos, access examples and take on extra challenges. In English, pupils use iPads to research, find vocabulary and plan their writing, while still focusing on handwriting and presentation. Across other subjects, children take photos for science projects, create digital artwork and explore the world through online maps.
Apps such as Showbie and Apple Classroom allow teachers to guide, monitor and share pupil work in real time. This balance of independence and support helps every learner stay focused and confident.
Pupil feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. A Year 4 pupil said, “I like using iPads because the videos show us what to do if we’ve forgotten.” While a Year 5 added, “It’s really easy to find new words for writing. I like using the different apps like Keynote.” And Year 6 pupils shared, “You can go beyond your limits and expand your knowledge.”
The iPad Frontiers Programme is helping Overdale pupils learn in exciting, meaningful ways while reflecting OAK Multi Academy Trust’s core values of Opportunity, Achievement and Kindness.
At Woodland Grange Primary School, pupils and teachers are now well into their second year of the iPad Frontiers Programme — and the difference it’s making in classrooms is already clear. The initiative, introduced across three OAK Multi Academy Trust schools, equips pupils in Years 1 to 6 with their own iPad, giving them access to the very best digital tools to support learning when appropriate in every subject
Teachers are using Showbie to share lessons, set tasks and provide tailored resources for pupils. In maths, children work independently through digital challenges; in English, they access reading extracts or vocabulary support; and in subjects like history or science, teachers upload website links or research materials to deepen understanding. Pupils can view lesson reminders, key information and extension tasks directly on their iPad, allowing them to take greater ownership of their learning while still being supported by their teachers in the classroom
The benefits extend beyond daily lessons. Accessibility tools allow teachers to adapt learning for every child — adjusting font size, colour overlays or screen brightness for easier reading, and even translating text for pupils whose first language isn’t English. Pupils can record ‘voice notes’ to explain their work, while teachers respond with personalised feedback. The iPads are helping every learner engage more confidently and inclusively, ensuring that no one is left behind
Collaboration has also flourished thanks to Apple Classroom, which allows teachers to view pupil screens, share great examples of work and celebrate achievements instantly. As one pupil explained, “The iPads help us to find things out. We can research online and get a better range of results, like looking at satellite images of cities.” Another added, “It’s good when you’re drafting a piece of writing because you can do it more quickly on your iPad before writing it out in your book.” These reflections show how technology and traditional learning now go hand in hand
Looking ahead, Woodland Grange will introduce Socrative, a quizzing app that gives instant feedback to pupils and teachers. Staff will use this data to adapt lessons, revisit topics and personalise support even further. While iPads have become a valuable addition to learning, teachers remain mindful of balance — ensuring screen time is managed carefully and that handwriting, collaboration and creativity stay central to school life
At Woodland Grange, the iPad Frontiers Programme is already transforming the learning experience, making it more engaging, accessible and inspiring. It’s another example of OAK Multi Academy Trust’s mission in action — creating opportunities, encouraging achievement and nurturing kindness every day.
At Manor High School, the iPad Frontiers Programme has transformed classrooms into dynamic, connected spaces where students learn, collaborate and create with confidence. Since its launch, pupils have been using iPads to enhance lessons across all subjects, from geography and English to maths and beyond, making learning more interactive and accessible than ever before.
The initiative is part of OAK Multi Academy Trust’s commitment to giving every learner access to the best digital tools available. The programme promotes inclusion, independence and creativity, ensuring that technology enriches learning both in and beyond the classroom.
Bringing Learning to Life
Teachers and pupils alike have embraced digital learning through a wide range of innovative apps. Showbie has quickly become the school’s most-used platform, giving students access to resources, assignments, videos and links all in one place. Lessons are uploaded digitally so that pupils can review materials, complete work and receive feedback, even if they miss a session.
Apple Classroom helps teachers guide learning in real time, allowing them to see what pupils are working on, share examples instantly, and keep lessons running smoothly. Other popular tools include Sparx Maths, Explain Everything and Canva, which provide interactive and creative ways to explore subjects and demonstrate understanding.
Year 7 pupils recently brought geography to life by creating multimedia presentations on settlements, complete with maps, images and analysis. Year 8 built on this by studying urban geography using the Burgess Model, applying their understanding to real-world cities through visual presentations and group discussions.
Personalised Support for Every Learner
Inclusivity is a cornerstone of the programme. iPads are tailored to meet the needs of every student, with features that make learning more accessible for all. Pupils with special educational needs benefit from tools such as colour overlays, magnifiers and text-to-speech functions, all customised to their individual settings.
For students who speak English as an additional language, iPads can be set up with translation options, allowing them to switch seamlessly between languages and engage fully in lessons. This flexibility means every student can access the curriculum and contribute confidently in class.
As one Year 8 pupil, Henry, shared: “They have a large variety of tools to use to learn.” Lily in Year 7 agreed, saying, “It’s easier to find the work you need if you miss a lesson.” Their feedback highlights how digital tools are helping learners take ownership of their progress, building skills that will last a lifetime.
Encouraging Independence and Reflection
Teachers at Manor High have also found that iPads foster greater independence and engagement. Students can use split-screen mode to view model answers, vocabulary builders and knowledge organisers while writing their own responses. They decide which resources help them best and can easily switch between them as they work, supporting deeper understanding and self-directed learning.
As Year 8 pupil Keren explained, “I like being able to look back on work at home.” This ability to review past lessons encourages reflection and continuous improvement.
Quick quizzes have also become a popular part of lessons, adding a healthy sense of competition while helping teachers identify and address misconceptions instantly. These short, interactive assessments ensure that learning gaps are quickly spotted and closed, keeping pupils on track and confident in their progress.
A Culture of Innovation
From lesson design to classroom practice, the iPad Frontiers Programme is embedding a culture of innovation across Manor High. Teachers use a blend of digital and traditional methods, ensuring technology enhances, rather than replaces, strong teaching and human connection.
As one student put it, “We get to try learning in new ways.” Another added, “They help with homework and activities after school.” These voices reflect the spirit of curiosity, creativity and ambition that defines both the programme and the wider ethos of OAK Multi Academy Trust.
By combining cutting-edge technology with excellent teaching, Manor High School is helping students develop the skills, confidence and independence they need to succeed, both now and in the future.