Following the retirement of Lynda Johnson earlier this year, we are delighted to announce that Alison Black has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of South Pennine Academies, stepping up from her role as Interim CEO. Alison brings over 14 years of experience as a headteacher, school improvement adviser and Ofsted inspector. She has previously worked in the Trust as Executive Principal of two of our primary academies in East Oldham and has also served as our Education Director for the past five years. Alison’s leadership expertise and her deep understanding of how to lead a complex multi-site organisation, coupled with her passion for ensuring the best possible educational experiences for our children make her the ideal CEO for South Pennine’s next chapter. Reflecting on her appointment, Alison said: "I am truly honoured to lead South Pennine Academies into the next phase of our journey. We have an incredible team of talented individuals across the Trust, and I am confident that by working together, we will continue to deliver the very best for our students and families. Every decision we make will be driven by our commitment to the children and young people we serve. Lisa Fathers, Chair of the Board, shared: "Alison has been successfully appointed following a rigorous two-day process involving an external C-suite Executive leadership recruitment agency, Trustees, and other Trust Leaders from across our sector. We are confident that Alison has the ambition, passion, and strategic leadership expertise needed to guide our Trust into its next phase of growth and success." We are excited for this new chapter under Alison’s leadership and look forward to continuing our mission to provide the best opportunities for our children, families and communities.
Alison brings over 14 years of experience as a headteacher, school improvement adviser and Ofsted inspector. She has previously worked in the Trust as Executive Principal of two of our primary academies in East Oldham and has also served as our Education Director for the past five years. Alison’s leadership expertise and her deep understanding of how to lead a complex multi-site organisation, coupled with her passion for ensuring the best possible educational experiences for our children make her the ideal CEO for South Pennine’s next chapter.
Reflecting on her appointment, Alison said:
"I am truly honoured to lead South Pennine Academies into the next phase of our journey. We have an incredible team of talented individuals across the Trust, and I am confident that by working together, we will continue to deliver the very best for our students and families. Every decision we make will be driven by our commitment to the children and young people we serve.
Lisa Fathers, Chair of the Board, shared:
"Alison has been successfully appointed following a rigorous two-day process involving an external C-suite Executive leadership recruitment agency, Trustees, and other Trust Leaders from across our sector. We are confident that Alison has the ambition, passion, and strategic leadership expertise needed to guide our Trust into its next phase of growth and success."
We are excited for this new chapter under Alison’s leadership and look forward to continuing our mission to provide the best opportunities for our children, families and communities.