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Ormiston Academies Trust, one of the leading education providers in the country, today announced that Amelia Walker will be its new National Director for Strategy and Quality Improvement.
Amelia joins the Trust from Ofsted, where she has been Deputy Director for Research and Evaluation since September 2016. Her work there includes leading the organisation’s strategic planning process to set the forward plan for research and evaluation, and steering its national programme of curriculum research. Amelia has been with Ofsted since 2010, previously holding roles there as Principal Officer for Knowledge Management and Head of Strategic Policy and Planning.
Before Ofsted, Amelia worked at the Local Government Information Unit, Havering Council, and the Department for Work and Pensions. She is also a member of the Board of Trustees for the Spitalfields Crypt Trust, an East London charity supporting people living with the consequences of alcohol and drug addictions.
As National Director for Strategy and Quality Improvement for Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT) – which has sponsored academies since 2009, and currently has 36 academies (30 secondary, five primary, and one all-through special school) – Amelia will be responsible for OAT’s overall policy and planning work, its fundraising strategy and its corporate governance.
Amelia Walker said: “I am thrilled and honoured to be joining Ormiston Academies Trust. Working for one of the leading and largest academy trusts in the country, and liaising directly with heads and teachers every day, there is huge scope to shape the futures of tens of thousands of children and young people, which is enormously exciting.
“OAT has always been focused on supporting children and young people from all backgrounds to achieve their very best but, with its academies so often in disadvantaged areas, it has a moral purpose that chimes with my own. Many of the children and young people joining OAT’s academies are those most in need of a first-class education, and I can’t wait to get started.
“It will be a real wrench to leave Ofsted. It is a great team, and I am very proud of what we have achieved in the time I have been there, and for the support I have received throughout.”
Nick Hudson, the Chief Executive Officer of OAT, said: “I am delighted that Amelia will be joining the OAT family. Amelia’s is a key role, helping to shape the direction of the organisation and our academies, and supporting the 27,000 students we serve every day.
“Her background, track record, insight and energy made her the stand-out candidate in what was a very strong field, and we look forward to her delivering for OAT, our academies and the students.”