The APSEND National Network for MAT CEOs was established as a sector level response to the lack of formal networks and support structures for the leaders of Multi Academy Trusts (MATs) that include any form of specialist setting. The network now includes the CEOs of purely specialist MATs, and mixed MATs that include both mainstream schools and specialist settings. Founded with only 5 original members, the growth of the network accelerated rapidly during the pandemic, and is currently comprised of around 50 CEOs representing a range of specialist and mixed MATs from across the country.  

The network is led by the Chair, Mark Vickers MBE (CEO of Olive Academies Trust) who has held the position since 2020. Mark is supported by an executive group made up of 5 CEOs from across the regions.  

The main focus of the network is to: 

  1. Provide support to members on an ongoing basis. 
  2. Strive to be a strong collective voice for the specialist sector. 
  3. Work strategically and proactively with national bodies such as the DfE, Ofsted and the ESFA to provide ‘real time’ sector perspectives when required. 

Our members tell us that the thing they value most from the network is the opportunity to work alongside other CEOs in similar contexts, enabling them to share challenges and solutions in confidential and supportive environments, whilst also providing spaces for robust conversations with colleagues, policy makers, and civil servants.

The APSEND National Network for MAT CEOs regularly and meaningfully engages with colleagues from the Department for Education (DfE), Ofsted, and the Regions Groups. Recent work has included:

  • Working extensively with the DfE’s SEND & AP Directorate to support the development of the SEND Green Paper and Improvement Plan (2023), alongside providing continuous support for the Regulatory & Commissioning review. The network is also a key contributor to the DfE’s Change Programme which is currently testing the reforms across the country.
  • We are also committed to working with Ofsted on an ongoing basis, and we have recently participated in a joint Knowledge Exchange session which brought together a group of 60 Ofsted inspectors and network members.

Through work such as this, the network is able to amplify the voices, experiences and knowledge of those working on the frontline of specialist education, and to ensure that policy makers and others working in the sector understand the impact of their decisions and are held to account for their actions.