Interim CEO letter to all Parents and Carers
17th December
Hello!
A month ago, I was asked by the Great Academies Education Trust (GAET) Board to take on the role of interim CEO. I was pleased to accept. I had been a trustee for over 6 years, so I knew the schools well and I had been a CEO of the Coop Academies Trust for 6 years until I reached a certain age and thought it was time to step down. I’ve enjoyed stepping back into the swing of things and it is always a joy to be surrounded by young people and committed staff.
You are probably aware that GAET is working towards a merger with Dixons Academies Trust. In recent weeks, we have begun to integrate more of their senior staff into our trust, and they have shown a deep respect for the strengths of our academies and have been keen to support in the most appropriate way. Currently, we are working with the Councils where we are located, the DfE and other external partners to get all of the necessary legal issues resolved. It is complicated but I remain optimistic that the merger will take place on 1 March 2026. I should add a word of warning in that there ‘is many a slip between cup and lip’. If there is a delay, I will let you know as soon as possible.
For the pupils and students, the merger will not involve significant change. They will continue to be taught by the same teachers in the same classes. For the vast majority of staff, the only immediate change will be that they are paid slightly later in the month and by Dixons. What is clear is that greater professional support capacity available from Dixons will help our staff and eventually be of benefit for our children and young people.
One important change, however, is the Dixons approach to local governing bodies. They use a community-based approach, and this will see parents, carers and community representatives coming together to consider what is needed for academies in each area. Dixons have commented on the strength of our school communities, and we are hoping that some, but probably not all, existing governors will choose to join the Dixons set up. As things are finalised they will extend an invitation to all of our parents and carers to get involved. More on this later in the spring.
At the recent GAET Board meeting approval was given for an additional school closure on Friday 13th February. This is the one day in the year when Dixons staff from across their academies have the chance to visit other academies. It was too good an opportunity to miss, so all GAET academies will close one day earlier than planned for the spring half term break.
I will write to you again in the New Year to bring you up to speed on the latest developments on the merger. I hope you have a joyous and wonderful Christmas and New Year.
Best wishes
Frank Norris MBE FCCT
Interim CEO of GAET