Forward Education Trust

Today’s the day!
We’re really looking forward to welcoming colleagues from across Forward Education Trust to our 2026 Trust Conference.
It promises to be a day of sharing ideas, learning together and strengthening the great work already taking place across our schools.
Thank you to everyone who has helped bring the event together. We’re excited to get started and make the most of the day ahead.

Forward Education Trust is proud to be working with a range of partners to support this year’s conference.
Our thanks go to:
• NOW Education
• TeacherActive
• The Teach Team
• Teaching Personnel
• Connex Education
Each organisation brings valuable expertise that supports the development of our staff and the continued strengthening of our provision.
We are grateful for their support and their shared commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.

It’s fantastic to be working with Connex Education at this year’s Trust Conference.
Connex Education has over 25 years’ experience supporting schools, Multi-Academy Trusts and SEND settings through high-quality recruitment, training and intervention programmes. Their work with schools across the country reflects a strong commitment to developing educators and improving outcomes for pupils.
Supporting pupils with special educational needs is central to their approach. Through close partnership with schools and local authorities, they provide tailored support that recognises the individual needs of each learner and helps create inclusive environments where pupils can succeed.
We value their contribution to the sector and thank them for their support of this year’s conference.

We are excited to be working with The Teach Team as sponsor of this year’s keynote speaker.
The Teach Team brings extensive experience across education recruitment and SEND, with a strong focus on providing a high-quality, personalised service to both schools and candidates.
Their commitment to supporting schools is further strengthened through partnerships with local charities, creating additional opportunities and experiences for children and young people.
We are grateful for their support in helping us deliver this important part of the conference.

The workshops at this year’s Trust Conference are designed to support both professional development and personal wellbeing.

They provide colleagues with practical approaches that can be applied in school, alongside opportunities to reflect, share ideas and build confidence.

This reflects our ongoing commitment to developing staff and strengthening provision across all our schools.
The theme of this year’s Conference is flourishing - the importance of coming together to connect, engage in workshops that inspire us to strive for ambitious achievement for our pupils and our staff.

Forward Education Trust is pleased to be working with TeacherActive as a key partner for this year’s conference.
With over 20 years’ experience supporting schools and settings, TeacherActive provides high-quality staffing solutions across education, including specialist SEND professionals. Their work helps schools maintain continuity for pupils and respond effectively to changing needs.
Alongside recruitment, their CPD platform supports the ongoing development of staff, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening practice across the sector.
We value their support and the contribution they make to education.

🔹 Meet Our Trustee: Saif Ul Islam 🔹
We’re pleased to introduce Saif Ul Islam, who brings more than 20 years of experience in financial services to the Forward Education Trust Board.

As an Operations and Transformation leader, Saif has delivered enterprise-wide change programmes, improved risk resilience, and worked with C-suite and regulatory stakeholders to strengthen governance and performance. His expertise in financial crime risk, digitisation, and process optimisation provides a valuable cross-sector perspective on strategic oversight and impact.

“Joining Forward Education Trust was a deliberate choice to apply my transformation and governance expertise in a sector where impact is deeply personal and enduring.”

Since joining, Saif has focused on learning the nuances of SEND governance and contributing at a strategic level.
“My impact has been more foundational than operational. I’ve offered a fresh perspective, asked thoughtful questions, and aligned board experience to the Trust’s inclusive mission.”

He has found it especially fulfilling to witness the depth of purpose across the Trust.
“Even through board meetings alone, it’s clear that Forward Education Trust is relentlessly focused on improving outcomes for children with complex SEND needs. I’ve especially valued the strategic conversations around inclusion, safeguarding, and school identity.”

Saif encourages others to consider becoming a Trustee.
“It’s one of the most meaningful ways to apply your professional expertise for public good. You’ll gain perspective, strengthen your governance skills, and contribute to something bigger than yourself. It’s not just about giving back. It’s about growing forward.”

We’re delighted to welcome Jenni Pearce as our new Director of Finance & Operations at Forward Education Trust.

Jenni brings over 30 years of experience and was drawn to the trust’s strong focus on supporting children and young people with SEND.
She’s already been struck by the shared sense of purpose and the welcoming culture across our schools and teams.

Welcome to FET, Jenni — we’re so pleased to have you on board!
https://fet.ac/welcoming-jenni-pearce-director-of-finance-operations/

🔹 Meet Our Trustee: Kai Wing Shiu 🔹
We’re proud to introduce Kai Wing Shiu, one of the dedicated Trustees guiding the strategic vision of Forward Education Trust.

With over 25 years’ experience as a Management Consultant, Kai Wing specialises in helping organisations scale up and adapt to evolving markets — bridging the gap between strategic intent and operational reality.

Kai Wing’s decision to join the Trust was inspired by a desire to contribute to the local community and support a meaningful cause through a non-executive role.

Since joining the Board, Kai Wing has contributed to strategic development, ensuring that the Trust continues to build for the future rather than simply manage the day-to-day.

During school visits, Kai Wing has been impressed by the high standards and well-maintained facilities, noting how Leycroft’s pristine environment reflects a strong commitment to providing an excellent experience for children.

“The excellence in both the Trustees and the executive leadership team is way above my expectations.”

Reflecting on his experience so far, Kai Wing encourages others to consider trusteeship:
“Forward Education Trust is an excellent team with an ambitious mission.”

🔹 Meet Our Trustee: Vikash Joshi 🔹
We’re delighted to introduce Vikash Joshi, one of the Trustees helping to guide the strategic direction of Forward Education Trust.
With over 25 years’ experience in IT and cyber security, specialising in governance, risk management, compliance, and audit, Vikash brings a wealth of expertise to the Trust’s work in strengthening oversight and fostering collaboration across its schools.
His decision to join the Board was deeply personal:
“As a parent of a child with autism, I have firsthand experience of the challenges and triumphs that children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) face.”
Since joining, Vikash has supported the Trust’s risk management processes and, as a Local Academy Chair, has helped strengthen governance at school level. He’s been especially impressed by “the deep care and willingness of staff to make a difference” and their commitment to ensuring every child’s future needs are thoughtfully planned for.
Reflecting on his experience so far, Vikash says:
“It is a rewarding experience that offers personal growth and the chance to work with inspiring colleagues to create meaningful change in the lives of children and within the wider community.”