At OAK Multi Academy Trust, our mission has always been clear: to create opportunities, encourage achievement and nurture kindness across our family of schools. We are passionate about helping every young person succeed, preparing them not only for academic excellence but for life beyond the classroom.
Our iPad Frontiers Programme marks an exciting new chapter in that journey, one that reimagines how our pupils learn, connect and grow in a digital world.
The programme is a major step forward in teaching and learning across OAK schools. Each student and teacher will have access to the very best digital tools, beginning with Manor High School. This 1:1 iPad scheme is designed to enhance creativity, inclusion and independence, while providing equal access to learning opportunities for every child.
By embedding technology into everyday lessons, pupils gain essential digital skills to thrive in the 21st century. Apps such as Showbie and Explain Everything allow teachers to create engaging lessons and personalised feedback, while Apple Classroom enables them to guide and support learning in real time. Technology here is not a replacement for great teaching — it is a tool that makes learning more flexible, accessible and inspiring.
Safety and wellbeing remain at the heart of the programme. All devices are supported by advanced safeguarding systems, including Smoothwall filtering and Lightspeed monitoring, protecting pupils both in and out of school. The initiative also supports OAK’s commitment to sustainability by reducing printing and photocopying, lowering costs and environmental impact.
The iPad Frontiers Programme embodies our core values of Opportunity, Achievement and Kindness. It opens doors for every learner, giving them the confidence to explore, create and take ownership of their education.
As our CEO highlights, OAK exists to “create opportunities, encourage achievement and act with kindness every day.” Frontiers takes that promise into the digital age, helping every pupil to grow, achieve and belong in a connected world.
To find out more about OAK Multi Academy Trust and our approach to growing great schools together, visit oaktrust.org.
At OAK Multi Academy Trust, we’re proud to support the lives of our pupils and students through our core values of Opportunity, Achievement and Kindness. As we continue to grow our family of schools, we celebrate those who are leading innovation and excellence in teaching and learning across our Trust.
Overdale Infant and Junior Schools are delighted to have been recognised as a Steplab Hub School since 2024–25 — the first and only Primary Steplab Hub in the Midlands. This achievement reflects their commitment to high-quality, research-informed professional development through Instructional Coaching.
The programme has been led by Helen Lisseman, Trust Teaching and Learning Lead, and Vesna Knezevic, Assistant Headteacher (and Deputy from January 2026) at Overdale Infant School. Their shared vision to strengthen teaching and learning across the Trust has had a transformative impact on classroom practice and pupil outcomes.
“We don’t profess to be perfect, but we are proud to share our journey and successes to help others develop their own high-impact professional development programmes,”
said Helen Lisseman.
Sharing Expertise Through Hub Days
Each term, Overdale opens its doors to visiting school and trust leaders keen to explore how effective professional development can drive lasting improvement. Visitors can see deliberate practice and coaching in action, visit lessons, and connect with other PD leads through reflection and discussion.
The next Steplab Hub Day will be held on Tuesday 4 November, with further dates on Wednesday 28 January and Tuesday 28 April at Overdale Junior School.
“The most beneficial aspect was observing the coaching conversation – it was inspirational!”
— Jenny Stafford, Headteacher, Richard Lee Primary School
To find out more or book a place, please sign up here or visit the Steplab website.
This a new consultation for the proposed opening of a SEND Unit at Overdale Infant School.
Academy Trusts proposing to make a “significant change” to schools are required to undertake a fair and open local consultation for a period of three weeks.
The purpose of this consultation is to seek the views of parents, carers and other interested stakeholders on the proposal:
The proposal previously consulted on to open a SEND unit within the grounds of Overdale Infant School.
The public consultation on the proposal will run from 12/09/2025 until midday on Friday 03/10/2025
The purpose of this additional consultation is to obtain views on the updated proposal that pupils in chronological years 3 to 6 are now proposed to be on roll at Overdale Junior School. Previously the intention was for these pupils to be on roll at the Infant school. No other details have changed from the original consultation.
Please read the letter below and complete your feedback returning to the Junior school by 3/10/2025 midday.
Consultation To Place A SEND Unit Letter Sept Addition (002)(opens in new tab)
OAK is pleased to announce the appointment of Sophie Bodycote to the new role of Trust Sustainability Lead. This position has been established to guide our schools in their efforts to address climate change and nature decline, and Sophie’s extensive background in both environmental protection and education makes her an ideal fit for this important role.
A Career Dedicated to the Environment
Ms. Bodycote’s professional journey began with a degree in Applied Biology, where her studies focused on plant protection, ecology, conservation, and toxicology. Following her academic work, she assessed the environmental impact of fish farming at the University of Stirling. She then spent 11 years as an environmental protection officer for Coventry City Council, managing issues related to air, land, and noise pollution.
At the age of 39, Ms. Bodycote transitioned to a career in primary education, where she served as a teacher and later as an assistant/deputy head for 21 years. It was during her final years at Brookside Primary School that her passion for the environment merged with her teaching career. She began feeding birds outside her classroom, which engaged students in identifying and recording different species. This initiative led to her supporting the school’s eco-council, and she eventually took over the eco-club. The club’s work, which included activities like making habitats and delivering assemblies on hedgehogs, highlighted the need for a dedicated sustainability role at the trust level.
Strategic Objectives for the Upcoming Year
As the new Trust Sustainability Lead, Ms. Bodycote’s immediate priority is to meet with school heads and sustainability leads to secure their support and offer her assistance. She has already begun visiting school sites with the trust’s premises manager, Paul, to identify areas for future planting. The trust plans to obtain free trees from the Woodland Trust and is also collaborating with organisations such as the National Education Nature Park (NENP).
Ms. Bodycote has outlined several key objectives for her first year in the role:
- Green Flag Award: Each school will establish an eco-club and work toward achieving the Green Flag Award.
- Curriculum Development: The curriculum will be reviewed and mapped to integrate sustainability education.
- Biodiversity Enhancement: Schools will identify and implement ways to improve biodiversity on their grounds, including planting new trees.
- Professional Development: Staff will be provided with appropriate training, such as carbon literacy, as needed.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Efforts will be made to engage all stakeholders in the sustainability process.
The Trust’s Vision for a Sustainable Future
Ms. Bodycote believes that the creation of her role underscores the trust’s commitment to sustainability. The trust’s strategy is twofold: to reduce its own carbon footprint through actions like waste management, improved biodiversity, and reduced energy use, and to prepare students for the future by teaching them how to make environmentally conscious choices.
Ultimately, Ms. Bodycote’s vision is for all OAK schools to be recognised for making a tangible difference. She envisions school environments with enhanced biodiversity where children are actively engaged with the outdoors. Her goal is for the trust’s sustainability efforts to inspire and be replicated by the wider community.
Dear Consultee
Consultation on the proposal to open a SEND Unit at Overdale Infant School from January 2026
Academy Trusts proposing to make a “significant change” to schools are required to undertake a fair and open local consultation for a period of four weeks.
The purpose of this consultation is to seek the views of parents, carers and other interested stakeholders on the proposal:
To open a SEND unit within the grounds of Overdale Infant School.
The public consultation on the proposal will run from 09/06/2025 until midday on Monday 07/07/2025.
Since the introduction of the Children & Families Act in 2014, Leicestershire has seen an increase in the number of Education, Health & Care (EHC) Assessments, which has resulted in a significant increase in the number of EHC plans (EHCP) maintained by the Local Authority. Some of the increase has been caused by the age range being extended from 2 to 19 years to 0–25 years, but not all is due to this age range increase. The increase in requests for assessment since 2014 has been over 77% higher than before the Children’s & Families Act was introduced.
The SEND Code of Practice 2014 provides statutory guidance on duties, policies and procedures relating to Part 3 of the Children and Families Act 2014 and associated regulations. It focusses on early intervention, parental engagement and inclusion.
Following reviews by Leicester City Council and the local authority of the provision for the Special Educational Needs (SEN) for children in the city, their vision for education providers is to follow an inclusive approach to all children. To support this, The OAK Multi Academy Trust propose to open a Primary SEN unit at the Overdale schools site from 01/01/2026. The site of the unit will be within the grounds of Overdale Infant School.
The school will be commissioned to provide a unit as an offer beyond that of mainstream provision.
A bespoke package of support within the specialist unit will be the most appropriate provision for pupils in the unit. The aim of the provision is to ensure the continued education of young people in a supportive, positive, achievement-focused environment. This will enable them to achieve in line with their ability and make progress against the outcomes within their Education, Health & Care Plan.
Staff who have the appropriate skills, knowledge and training to support pupils to access this bespoke package will ensure a high-quality curriculum which includes an element of integration with the infant and junior schools where appropriate.
The service will provide education and support placements of up to 20 full-time pupils at any one time. Commissioned places are as follows:
- Number: 20 in total. This will be phased: in the first year, 10 places will be available. This will increase to 20 places in a phased manner over a maximum of 36 months.
- Age range: 4-11
- Pupils will work within stage rather than age-based criteria whilst attending the unit. To support inclusion, pupils in chronological years 3 to 6 will have provision at Overdale Junior School.
The service will be for young people who require support with appropriate issues which are identified as communication and interaction. The majority of the time will be spent within the SEND unit with additional, appropriate integration as determined by the leadership of the unit and school. The pupils may be able to progress into another DSP or mainstream education setting with timely and appropriate interventions.
Access to the placements into the school will be made via the Local Authority. Leicester City Council and the school will approve applications through a joint panel process. For clarity, attending Overdale Infant or Junior school does not have any bearing on admission to the SEND unit as this admission process is via the local authority.
School Settings
Overdale Infant School has identified two self-contained classrooms within the boundaries of the school that can be used, and an area of outside space at the rear of these classrooms dedicated to the children for physical activity.
It is important to note that neither school will be affected by the implementation of the resource base nor will the current offer to children be impacted.
Staffing
Qualified, experienced staff members will be employed specifically to work in the resource base. The leadership team will be supported by advice and guidance from OAK Multi Academy Trust and a leadership network from the appropriate specialists within the Trust.
The team will work closely with the Headteachers and act in the best interest of the schools and pupils. The local authority provides the funds for the running of the unit, so no money will be diverted from school budgets.
This document is also available to read on Overdale Junior School’s website and OAK Multi Academy Trust website.
Who are we consulting with?
During this consultation period, we want to seek representations from:
- Parents and carers of children already attending the school
- Parents of any other children
- School staff
- Local Primary Schools
- Anyone else who might be affected by the proposed change
What happens next?
This consultation will run until midday on Monday 07/07/2025.
The Senior Leadership at both schools, alongside Leicester City Council, will consider the results of the consultation and decide whether to refer the proposed opening of the SEND Unit to the Department for Education for approval.
How to respond
You are invited to submit comments in writing using the Stakeholder Response form below about the proposal above via email, by post or hand deliver to:
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Overdale Junior School SEND Unit Consultation Eastcourt Road Knighton Leicester LE2 3YA |
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Overdale Infant School SEND Unit Consultation Eastcourt Road Knighton Leicester LE2 3YA |
Yours sincerely
H.Holmes M. Evans
Mrs Hayley Holmes Mr Matt Evans
Headteacher Headteacher
Overdale Infant School Overdale Junior School
Stakeholder Response Form Overdale Junior School
Stakeholder Response Form Overdale Infant School
On Tuesday 7th May, Manor High School came alive with colour, imagination and talent as it hosted its annual Art & Design Technology Exhibition – a vibrant celebration of creativity from students across the OAK Multi-Academy Trust.
The evening marked a significant moment for our Year 11 GCSE students at Manor High School, who showcased their final pieces alongside beautifully detailed sketchbooks and preparatory work. Friends, families and staff gathered to celebrate the culmination of years of artistic growth and dedication. The atmosphere was one of pride and admiration, as awards were presented to students who had demonstrated exceptional skill and commitment in Art and Design Technology.
But this was more than just an exhibition – it was a true expression of our Trust’s vision to inspire a love of learning for life. In keeping with our values of collaboration and opportunity, the event also shone a spotlight on the creative achievements of younger pupils from across the Trust. Children from Overdale Infant School, Overdale Junior School, Woodland Grange Primary School and Brookside Primary School were invited to contribute their work to the exhibition. Their stunning drawings, paintings, clay pieces and digital artwork – created by layering and reshaping their own designs using iPads – were displayed with pride.
The event brought together families, staff and students from across our Trust, with visitors welcomed by refreshments and canapés prepared by Manor’s talented Year 10 Food Technology students. Housed in the school’s new gymnasium, the exhibition provided a fantastic opportunity for our young artists to be inspired by older students, sparking ideas and aspirations for their own creative journeys. It was a powerful celebration of talent, collaboration and shared pride – reflecting our belief in nurturing potential and creating opportunities for all.
Every year, our pupils amaze us with their creativity—and 2025 promises to be no different! The OAK Multi-Academy Trust’s much-loved 500 Word Competition is back, celebrating storytelling across our schools.
The initiative brings together Year 2 and Year 6 pupils from across the trust, encouraging them to craft original stories of up to 500 words on any theme they choose. After the SATs exams, schools run their own judging rounds, with headteachers nominating standout entries to go forward to the cross-trust final.
Those selected are celebrated in a beautifully illustrated, professionally designed book—copies of which are shared with each school and given to the winning pupils. The competition culminates in a celebration event at Manor High School, which this year will take place on Thursday 3rd July 2025.
At the event, pupils and staff gather to enjoy readings of the winning entries and see the overall winners receive their prizes—including trophies, book vouchers, and a copy of the published anthology.
This marks the fourth year of the competition, and the standard continues to rise. Previous editions have featured dragons, magical forests, zombie apocalypses and journeys through space, all imagined and written by children across our trust.
We can’t wait to see what this year’s young authors create!
Last year’s book can be viewed here.
OAK Multi Academy Trust has received high praise in a recent external governance progress review conducted by the National Governance Association (NGA), highlighting the Trust’s significant strides in leadership, accountability, and strategic growth.
The report, authored by NGA consultant George Craig, commended OAK’s governance as “highly effective at all levels”, citing strong ethical leadership, impactful decision-making, and a culture of continuous improvement. This follows a year of targeted development after an earlier review, during which the Trust has strengthened its board structure, deepened local collaboration, and embedded more robust systems for oversight and performance.
Among the many areas of progress noted in the review were:
- Improved board structure and performance: The introduction of a comprehensive governance handbook, enhanced trustee recruitment, and a more diverse and skilled board have helped build a stronger, more resilient governance framework.
- Enhanced committee effectiveness: With dispersed leadership and better-prepared members, committee work is now more purposeful and impactful.
- Strong ethical and community leadership: Trustees and governors are praised for their understanding of, and responsiveness to, the communities they serve — especially in how they have handled sensitive parent communications and strengthened PTA engagement.
- Commitment to school improvement and staff development: The Trust is recognised for fostering a high-performing and supportive working culture while continuing to invest in infrastructure and training.
Andrew Wilson, CEO of OAK Multi Academy Trust, welcomed the report’s findings:
“We’re delighted to see the progress we’ve made reflected so clearly in this review. Our board, governors, and leaders across the Trust are united by a shared commitment to growing great schools — rooted in values, powered by ambition, and strengthened by community.”
Chair of Trustees Jane Doughty added:
“This recognition from the NGA is a real credit to the collaborative spirit and determination of our governance team. We’re proud of the journey so far and are excited about what comes next.”
OAK’s Governance Lead, Danni Benyon-Payne, highlighted the vital role played by local governors and trustees across the Trust:
“It’s important to recognise the tireless commitment of our governors and trustees. Their guidance and support are central to the success of our schools and the Trust as a whole. Over the past 12 months, I’ve had the privilege of working more closely with them — and I look forward to those relationships continuing to strengthen.
Much of their work happens behind the scenes, yet their willingness to give their time, insight, and expertise is instrumental in shaping the future of our Trust and ensuring every child receives the best possible start.”
The report also acknowledged the Trust’s readiness for responsible growth, stating it is “well placed to offer school improvement services to transform underperforming schools.”
OAK Multi Academy Trust continues to invest in its people, infrastructure, and governance model — creating the conditions where pupils thrive, staff grow, and communities trust the process.
This report comes on the back of news that three of OAK MAT’s five schools—Overdale Infant School, Woodland Grange Primary School, and Manor High School—have achieved significant improvements in their latest Ofsted inspections. Their success is a testament to the power of strong local leadership, shared expertise, and a values-driven approach to school improvement.
At a time when the academies programme has faced scrutiny, OAK Multi Academy Trust is proving that a well-led, collaborative trust model can deliver real, lasting educational transformation. The Trust, which comprises five schools, is celebrating a major milestone as three of its institutions—Overdale Infant School, Woodland Grange Primary School, and Manor High School—have made significant strides in their latest Ofsted inspections.
The Power of Small but Strong Trusts
With just five schools, OAK MAT may be small, but its collective strength lies in its commitment to high standards, mutual support, and shared expertise. This latest success demonstrates how a focused, values-driven approach to school improvement can yield exceptional results.
“Our results prove that when schools work together with a shared vision, they can achieve more than they ever could alone,” said Andrew Wilson CEO. “We believe in collective and collegiate working, ensuring that every school benefits from our network of leadership, innovation, and high standards. A determination to be better, to achieve more, and to give back is at the heart of everything we do.”
A Vision for Future Growth
This success is only the beginning. OAK Multi Academy Trust is laying the foundation for continued growth and excellence, ensuring that more schools and communities across Leicestershire can benefit from its proven approach to education. With an unwavering focus on high expectations, innovation, and collaboration, the trust aims to serve an even broader and more diverse range of pupils in the years to come.
“As a trust, we are committed to growth—not just in numbers, but in the depth of impact we have on every child’s education,” said Wilson. “Our ambition is to continue to be small enough to care and big enough to make a difference, ensuring that every school in our trust continues to thrive, that our staff are continually supported, and that our students leave us prepared for a bright and successful future.”
A Model for Sustainable Academy Success
While debates continue around the effectiveness of the academies programme, OAK MAT stands as an example of what is possible when each individual school’s identity is combined with carefully planned collaboration. The trust’s strategic leadership, professional development, and operational support have enabled schools to be more agile and effective in their school improvement efforts.
With a strong commitment to growing great schools, OAK Multi Academy Trust is setting new standards for education, ensuring that every child has the chance to succeed, regardless of circumstance.
OAK Multi Academy Trust is celebrating a remarkable milestone as three of its Leicestershire schools—Overdale Infant School, Woodland Grange Primary School, and Manor High School—have achieved significant improvements in their recent Ofsted inspections. These achievements reflect the trust’s unwavering commitment to growing great schools by delivering high-quality education, transforming young people’s futures, and ensuring a thriving learning environment despite challenging times.
Championing Excellence Across Leicestershire
These schools, each unique in their approach, have demonstrated exceptional progress in key areas such as leadership, personal development, and the quality of education. From Overdale Infant School’s ambitious curriculum and strong foundation in early years learning to Woodland Grange Primary’s outstanding behaviour and personal development programs, and Manor High School’s focus on high aspirations, academic success and clear values, the positive impact on students is undeniable.
“Our mission has always been to inspire, challenge, and support our pupils to achieve beyond expectations,” said Andrew Wilson, CEO of OAK Multi Academy Trust. “These Ofsted reports highlight the dedication of our leaders, teachers, and support staff in making real and lasting changes for our young people.”
Parents and students alike have expressed their delight at the schools’ success. “The school has transformed as part of the Trust,” said a Woodland Grange Primary parent. “My child feels supported, challenged, and excited to go to school every day.”
For staff, the results are a testament to their hard work and commitment. “We’ve worked incredibly hard to create an environment where every child can flourish,” said Hayley Holmes, Headteacher of Overdale Infant School. “Seeing that effort reflected in the Ofsted report—and in the smiles of our pupils—is incredibly rewarding.”
Students at Manor High School have also felt the impact of the improvements. “We’re pushed to do our best, and we know our teachers believe in us,” said one Year 10 student. “I feel like I’m getting the best start in life.”
A Testament to Trust-Wide Collaboration
Beyond the classroom, OAK Multi Academy Trust’s centralised support system has played a crucial role in these improvements. By providing strategic leadership, professional development, educational and operational support, the Trust has enabled schools to be more agile, effective, and focused on their core mission—education.
“Our back-office support structures allow our schools to focus on what really matters—teaching and learning,” said Wilson. “From financial stability to staff development and curriculum innovation including digital transformation, we ensure that schools have the resources they need to drive success – We really are small enough to care but big enough to make a difference.”
With a strong commitment to continued excellence, OAK Multi-Academy Trust is setting new standards for education in Leicestershire, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to achieve, regardless of circumstance.