Amanda Nicholson
CEO / Executive Principal
As a Headteacher I have led my schools through successive outstanding Ofsted inspections. I took Oakwood High School through academy conversion in 2012, then opened a 6th Form College and Primary Department. Oakwood Academy became a National Teaching School and I was the National Leader of Education for several years. We have supported schools across our region and helped bring through the next generation of SEND teachers. I was also an Ofsted Inspector between 2018-2019 until I became the CEO of Kings Academy Trust.
Kassia Academy in Warrington joined our Trust in 2020. We opened a 19-25 provision for young adults with disabilities called the Excel Hub at Media City Salford. We were successful in a Free School application, and Acer Academy will open in September 2025. Arbour Academy and Moss Valley Primary joined us in 2023. And we are awaiting The Deans Primary to join us in 2025. Our growth plan shows that we should have 10 schools by 2030.
I have worked in education for nearly 30 years and have worked in a wide variety of settings, across all ages and all abilities. I am committed to ensuring that all young people get the best education possible and we give children the start in life they deserve. I was privileged to be named in the Queens new year’s honours list in 2021 for services to education and received my OBE in November 2022. It is an honour to serve the most vulnerable children, often in areas of significant economic deprivation.
I have worked in special education for over 20 years. Although I have had many different roles within schools, my specialism is in the pastoral care of children and young people and working teachers to support and engage with pupils with complex learning difficulties and disabilities.
Over this time, I have developed and maintained provision within schools to support pupils’ social, emotional, behavioural and mental health needs and put in place, facilities and alternative education programmes for children with complex needs which has enabled these pupils to fully engage in learning and school life.
My current role as COO, involves with closely with the head teachers of the schools within Trust on all operational matters, including, HR, Health & Safety, Project Management, Site Management and ICT.
Lindsay Regan – Executive Headteacher
I am the Executive Headteacher of The Kassia Academy, Arbour Academy, and Acer Academy. I have worked in education for over 20 years across mainstream secondary schools, alternative provision, pupil referral units, and specialist SEMH settings.
My expertise lies in supporting children with social, emotional, and mental health needs, particularly those affected by trauma, challenging behaviour, and special educational needs. I have always had a passion for pastoral care and a deep commitment to reaching the most hard-to-reach young people.
I believe that with excellent relationships, a creative and inclusive curriculum, and flexible, trauma-informed practice, vulnerable and disadvantaged young people can truly thrive in education. My focus is always on creating environments where every child feels safe, valued, and able to succeed.
I am strongly influenced by the work of Paul Dix and others in trauma-related practice, and I believe that positive adult relationships are the key to transforming young people’s lives and improving their life chances—especially for those who, through no fault of their own, may have faced disadvantage or adversity.
Information to follow
I began my career at Oakwood Academy in 2007, initially supporting students in a 1:1 classroom setting. This early experience ignited my commitment to inclusive education and laid the foundation for my professional journey. During my time at Oakwood, I took on a variety of roles, but my passion for Physical Education remained central. I completed my teacher training through Oakwood and qualified as a teacher in 2017, later taking on the role of Head of PE, where I worked to promote positive physical experiences and outcomes for all students.
As my career progressed, I further developed my responsibilities by mentoring Early Career Teachers (ECTs), a role I valued for the opportunity to support and guide new educators as they established their practice.
In 2023, I joined the Senior Leadership Team as Teacher Development and Pupil Enhancement Lead, where I focused on advancing teaching excellence and ensuring students were empowered to thrive. In 2024, I further expanded my leadership responsibilities, becoming Assistant Headteacher with oversight of the foundation subjects, strengthening curriculum quality and consistency across the wider school.
In 2025, I began a new chapter at Acer Academy, where I now serve as Deputy Headteacher for Teaching and Learning. In this role, I remain dedicated to championing high-quality teaching, supporting staff development, and ensuring that every student receives an exceptional learning experience.
