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.
Lisa Southwood
Executive Headteacher
I have dedicated my career to education for over two decades, beginning in 2001 after qualifying as a teacher. My journey started in a Mainstream Primary School in Salford, where I taught within KS2 for the first three years of my teaching career.
In 2004, I joined Oakwood Academy as a Year 7 teacher and quickly discovered my passion for SEND. This passion led me to the role of Head of Year, where I focused on building strong relationships with students and guiding their academic and personal growth.
In 2014, I became part of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to the strategic vision and development of the school. In 2020, I was honoured to be appointed as Headteacher at Oakwood Academy, where I am committed to fostering a positive and inclusive environment for both students and staff.
Most notably, in January 2024, Oakwood Academy was rated Outstanding by Ofsted. This is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our entire school community. Leading Oakwood Academy continues to be a deeply rewarding experience, and I remain dedicated to ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.
From January 2025 I will be taking on the role of Executive Headteacher for Oakwood Academy and the new Free School, Acer Academy, which is set to open in September 2025. This new venture represents an exciting chapter in my career, and I look forward to bringing my experience and passion to creating an exceptional educational environment for future students.
I began my career as a mainstream primary teacher in inner-city schools, passionate about removing barriers to learning and fostering inclusivity. While I loved mainstream teaching, I developed a deep interest in supporting pupils with SEND and SEMH needs, which became a key focus in my career.
In 2018, I joined Oakwood Academy, progressing into leadership roles, including Head of Provision at our Designated Provision and Assistant Headteacher of Teaching and Learning. I have also worked across other schools within our Trust, supporting the development of Designated Provisions and enhancing provision for complex SEND needs through an ambitious, inclusive curriculum.
At Acer Academy, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. I am passionate about breaking down barriers to learning and helping our pupils develop the confidence, communication skills, and independence they need for the future. Seeing the progress they make - whether it’s mastering a new skill, building positive relationships, or simply feeling safe and understood - is what makes this work so rewarding.
Acer Academy is more than just a school; it is a community that empowers young people to succeed, and I am incredibly proud to be part of a team that makes such a meaningful difference in their lives.
