Spencer Headlines

Students across Spencer Academies Trust have been given a powerful insight into life at two of the world’s leading universities, following a three-day Oxford and Cambridge trip that is already helping to raise aspirations.

Led by Executive Director of Post-16, Susan Sharp, the visit saw 168 students and 17 staff members travel over 650 miles to experience academic life at St Edmund Hall, Oxford, and Peterhouse, Cambridge. More than 80 of the students were from Spencer Academies Trust sixth forms, alongside learners from the wider Spires collaboration with the Redhill Trust.

After months of preparation and hard work, students and staff at Heanor Gate Spencer Academy were proud to present this year’s whole-school production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

As the academy’s biggest and most ambitious production to date, the show builds on the strong tradition of performing arts at Heanor Gate. Performing Arts colleagues have led rehearsals for more than 50 students from across all year groups, with many evenings spent refining performances and preparing every detail ahead of an exciting week of live theatre.

Fifty pupils from Chetwynd Spencer Academy were proud to represent Spencer Academies Trust at the opening night of Young Voices in Birmingham last month - one of the world’s largest school choir events.

Yesterday, colleagues from across the Spencer Academies Trust - including principals, executive leaders, members of the Board of Directors and central colleagues - came together to bid farewell to our long-standing CEO, Paul West.

After eight and a half years of exceptional leadership, Paul moves on to exciting pastures new, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. Reflecting on his time at Spencer, Paul described the role as “the most professionally humbling and enriching experience of my career,” noting that the Trust has been “part of my identity” and “part of my sense of purpose.”

Pupil representatives from across Spencer Academies Trust came together this term for the first Pupil Parliament meeting of the 2025-26 academic year. The session marked an inspiring start to a new year of collaboration and pupil voice across the Trust.

The day opened with a lively and engaging question-and-answer session with Fiona Hallam, Trust Head of Safeguarding. Pupils were keen to learn more about Fiona’s role and her journey within the Spencer family, asking thoughtful questions about everything from her favourite foods and holiday destinations to her love of Formula One.

Ashwood Spencer Academy is delighted to announce that, following its most recent Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) Review, the academy has been awarded Flagship School Status - a prestigious recognition reserved for schools demonstrating the highest levels of inclusive practice. This achievement reflects the academy’s unwavering commitment to ensuring every child is supported and able to thrive.