Outwood Grange Academies Trust appoints new CEO

Outwood Grange Academies Trust (OGAT) has appointed Lee Wilson as its new permanent Chief  Executive. 

David Earnshaw, the Chair of OGAT’s Board of Trustees, said that Lee had emerged as the stand-out  candidate in a very strong field of candidates.  

Lee has been acting as the Chief Executive role on an interim basis since November 2023. Previously  he was OGAT’s Deputy Chief Executive and before that he spent over 10 years at the Trust in a  variety of roles, notably as Chief Executive Principal (Primary), where he was responsible for the  strategic leadership of OGAT’s 13 primary schools. Of those primaries which have been inspected, all  are rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. He has also collaborated effectively across different  phases of education, working across not just the Trust’s primary academies but also its 28 secondary  academies as well as its post-16 centre and an alternative provision. He has been a national leader of  education since 2013 and is a recipient of a National Teaching Award 

Lee Wilson, OGAT’s Chief Executive of OGAT, said:  

“It is with great pleasure and pride that I take on the leadership of our family of schools. Outwood  Grange Academies Trust is a place where every single person strives to do their very best, every  day, to put students first - and I will ensure that I lead by example to further this culture. 

“We are about to enter an exciting new chapter for the trust putting not just children, but their  families and communities, at the heart of what we do. I am certain that by working collectively, both  across the Trust and with strong partnerships within and beyond the education sector, that we will  have many future achievements to celebrate.”

David Earnshaw, the Chair of OGAT’s Board of Trustees, said: 

“We carried out an extensive search and a rigorous selection process, and had a very strong field of  candidates. However, Lee emerged as the stand-out candidate to lead our Trust into its next phase  of growth and success.

“He has been doing an outstanding job steering our Trust on an interim basis, demonstrating  exceptional leadership qualities and a deep commitment to our children, mission and values as well  as a clear understanding of the needs of children and families in our communities. 

“His dedication, experience and vision have been evident throughout his 11 years with the Trust and  we are confident that he will continue to lead our organisation with the same level of excellence and  passion as permanent Chief Executive. We are all excited by the possibility for the future.”