Ambitious changes provide boost at Montsaye Academy

Students and staff at Montsaye Academy in Rothwell are celebrating a successful Autumn Term so far, in which the school has officially joined national schools group United Learning.

As part of the well-established Group, Montsaye Academy will work closely with United Learning’s existing Northampton cluster, which includes Northampton Academy and Kettering Buccleuch Academy.

This academic year has also seen Montsaye Academy welcome a new Chair of Governors, Andy Sawford, who has returned to dedicate his time and expertise having previously been a student at the school. Montsaye Academy Principal, Ben Baines, is also a former student at the school and both share an ambitious vision to serve the local community by providing the best possible education for all students.

Before joining Montsaye this autumn, Andy Sawford served as a school governor at Kettering Buccleuch Academy for a decade and was Vice Chair of the Governing Body for the past seven years.

Ben Baines, Principal at Montsaye Academy, said: “Andy’s appointment as Chair of Governors is a hugely positive step for Montsaye. He brings significant experience of school governance and knows what it takes to support a school to deliver ambitiously for its students. Most importantly, Andy cares deeply about the school’s future and the role it plays in the life of the community.”

Andy Sawford, Chair of Governors at Montsaye Academy, said: “In my time as a student at Montsaye, I experienced how a great education combined with opportunities beyond the classroom can open doors and build confidence. It is a real privilege to return now as Chair of Governors and give something back.

“I have seen first-hand how strong governance and leadership can support improvement. As Montsaye becomes part of United Learning, this is a key moment to build on the school’s strengths and raise aspirations further.”