Jennifer Blunden OBE

My motivation to stand for election stems from my knowledge and professional experience of growing a successful multi-academy trust in Cornwall over the past 7 years. My personal values drive our vision to improve the life chances for all children and young people, especially our most disadvantaged and vulnerable.

My Trust has grown from 3 sponsored to 29 academies, representing infant, primary and secondary phases, and reflecting converter, stand-alone and re-brokered Trusts, with the exciting prospect of building a secondary Free School.

Our strategic growth reflects our commitment to small school sustainability and the benefits of shared good practice, of all schools as givers and receivers of support, and for high standards in our most deprived communities. In 2019, Ofsted recognised my inspirational leadership in our MAT Summary Evaluation, describing my commitment to collaboration and investment in our workforce to deliver excellence.

My commitment beyond my Trust is evident from roles with the Cornwall Council Covid-Recovery Working Group, the Teaching School Council and regional MAT Development Group, supporting the pilot Trust Assurance Framework and facilitating a leaders learning set to develop a peer review framework.

In summary, if elected advice and challenge to the RSC will be evidence-informed and pragmatic.