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.
