8th November 2024
Trustees’ Week is a time for reflection and gratitude, a chance to acknowledge the important work our Board of Trustees carries out to support ÎÞÂëרÇø's mission. Our trustees play an essential role in unlocking students’ academic and personal potential by providing the strong, confident leadership that ensures the continued growth and success of our family of schools. Their leadership upholds the vision and direction of ÎÞÂëרÇø, empowering each school within our family to thrive.
Our trustees come from varied backgrounds, bringing diverse skills, knowledge, and experiences. This blend of expertise creates a powerful foundation for strong governance, with each trustee united in their commitment to providing a high-quality, inclusive education that nurtures every child’s potential. Their contributions go beyond meetings and strategy; they are driven by a shared public spirit and a deep dedication to the communities we serve. Through their voluntary service, our trustees make an invaluable impact, helping to foster an environment where both our students and staff are supported to excel.
Our exceptional Board is led by Andrew Middleton (Chair) and Karen Canham (Vice Chair) who stand out for their dedication, unique expertise, and longstanding commitment to the ÎÞÂëרÇø community.
A Chartered Civil Engineer by profession, Andrew has spent most of his career in local government, leading transportation projects and contributing significantly to strategic management and organisational planning. He has been deeply involved with ÎÞÂëרÇø for nearly two decades, starting as a Governor at Windsor High School and Sixth Form in 2005, progressing to a Trust Member in 2013, and serving as Chair of the Board of Directors since 2018.
Andrew’s expertise in strategic management, business planning, and organisational change has been instrumental in guiding our Trust. His commitment to excellence and visionary leadership continually strengthens our Trust’s approach to education, helping us navigate challenges and pursue new opportunities. His dedication serves as an inspiration, not only to his fellow trustees but to the entire WAT family.
Karen Canham brings a wealth of experience to our Board, with a background that spans various roles in education and organisational development. Karen’s insights into school leadership and her experience in shaping educational frameworks have been invaluable to ÎÞÂëרÇø. Her dedication to educational excellence and her strategic approach to governance contribute greatly to our mission. As Vice Chair, Karen works closely with Andrew to ensure our Trust remains focused on unlocking the potential of every student while supporting our talented staff across the WAT family.
Karen’s commitment is evident in her thoughtful approach to challenges and her passion for driving positive change. Her leadership and expertise strengthen our Trust’s ability to serve our students, schools, and communities, ensuring we continue to deliver on our vision and values.
Our trustees do far more than oversee and advise; they actively shape the future of ÎÞÂëרÇø. They are dedicated advocates for education, passionate about supporting our 10,000 students and 1,300 staff. The Board’s guidance ensures that our Trust remains focused on its core mission: unlocking academic and personal potential in every child, delivering social value, and creating a lasting civic impact.
During Trustees’ Week, we express our heartfelt thanks to Andrew, Karen, and all our trustees for their tireless support and unwavering dedication. Their role is fundamental to our success, and we are deeply grateful for the time, expertise, and passion they bring to our Trust. Their efforts not only impact today’s students but create lasting benefits for future generations across our communities.
To learn more about the role of trustees in education and the impact they have, visit the .