Simon Alexander Witham

I am the CEO of Venn Academy Trust, which has schools in both Hull and Doncaster. The Trust has substantial proven expertise in delivering outstanding provision, in its special schools, alternative provision, and outreach provision, across both Primary and Secondary, including a Hybrid SEMH/Alternative Provision Free School, which opened in September 2021. Venn has six primary academies, which includes Thorpepark, a National Support School, with the other schools on a trajectory of school improvement.

It would be an honour to support the system by becoming a member of the Advisory Board, because I believe that all children and young people deserve a high quality education and am empowered to deliver this.
As an NLE, I have provided a range of School Improvement support for schools, including schools in areas of high social deprivation, with demonstrated impact. My current work is focused on developing the impact of SEMH in primary and secondary schools to support a reduction in exclusions and to support positive learning culture.

Having recently completed my Doctorate, which focused on reducing low-level disruption in primary schools, my research led to writing behaviour and culture modules with the education development trust for the early careers framework.