National education leader joins ATLP Trust Board

Respected multi-academy trust, the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP), has appointed a highly regarded and experienced educationalist to its Trust Board.

David Watson OBE, who is CEO of the Venturers Trust, joins the ATLP Trust Board as a Trustee.

The ATLP runs 20 schools and one Teaching School Hub in Birmingham, North Warwickshire, Staffordshire and West Coventry.

Richard Gill CBE, CEO of the ATLP, said: “It is a pleasure and a privilege to welcome David to the ATLP. He is a highly experienced and dynamic education professional who has held several prominent leadership roles. He will be an invaluable addition to our Partnership as we further strengthen our Trust Board.

“David shares our ‘One Trust’ ethos of working collectively to help all schools succeed. The challenges he is tackling as CEO in his current role clearly demonstrates his commitment to children. His vast experience across education and leadership will benefit our learning family enormously.”

David’s eminent career has included headships in both Birmingham and Manchester. In parallel to this, he has held leader and director-level positions for national and regional educational bodies, as well as being an Ofsted inspector.

His strong track record of success delivering positive impact at school, system, local regional and national level, saw him awarded an OBE in the 2019 New Year’s Honours List for services to education.

Throughout his career, David has successfully delivered sustained improvement in both pupil and Ofsted outcomes. He also has a keen interest in developing leadership programmes to encourage and nurture highly effective leaders and staff, alongside a values-led approach to driving strategy, where all stakeholders play their part.

Before joining Venturers Trust in 2020, David was the CEO and Executive Principal of Changing Lives in Collaboration Trust, based in Manchester.

David said: “I am both delighted and honoured to be stepping into the role of Trustee to support the ATLP at this exciting, yet challenging, time. This partnership is committed to improving the outcomes and experiences of all children and young people, and these are guiding principles that I share.

“I look forward to working with a team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about shaping lives and transforming communities. I want to contribute the experience I have gained to help the Trust further their goals and vision.”

John Vickers, Chair of the ATLP Trust Board, said: “David’s appointment is a significant addition to the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership, and I am delighted to welcome him to our Trust Board. With his wealth of knowledge and experience, David will be a huge asset to the team, particularly as we navigate the educational landscape ahead.”

ATLP’s new Governance and Consultation Network includes the establishment of local school advocates, who will provide local support in an advisory capacity to schools and also contribute to the Partnership as a whole. Advocates replace historic local school governor roles and place a renewed emphasis on collective improvement and excellence across our family of schools. The ATLP and its schools are currently seeking people to join its family of schools as ATLP advocates to deliver the very best for children, their families and their communities. Please click here for further details.