board

Wellspring Academy Trust, Yorkshire’s largest mixed sector multi-academy trust, has appointed a new chair to the board. 

Cheryl Hobson takes over from former chair Hearl Lenton and brings more than 30 years’ experience in finance, local government and the NHS to the role. Cheryl has been involved in Wellspring’s governance as a board member and co-opted member of the Finance and Resources Committee since 2015.

Mark Wilson, CEO at Wellspring, said: “Cheryl’s appointment is excellent news for the Trust and all our schools within it. She brings a wealth of knowledge to the role and is fully committed to our ethos and mission to make a difference. I am confident of her ability to offer the Wellspring board the effective leadership and guidance required as we push forward with our ambitions for our next 10 years.

“I would also like to thank Hearl Lenton, our former chair, for his superb work during his tenure and the role he has played in Wellspring’s success to date.”

Cheryl Hobson, chair of Wellspring Academy Trust board, added: “Being part of Wellspring’s journey so far has brought me a huge sense of pride and joy, so I’m honoured to take on the role of chair of the board. As someone born and raised in Barnsley and a product of the comprehensive school system here, I understand the communities in which a lot of Wellspring’s schools are based. The positive impact the Trust is having on those communities is phenomenal. 

“Looking forward, it’s a really exciting time for Wellspring – three new free schools in progress, rebuilds of existing schools in planning and more schools than ever expressing interest in joining the Trust. On the board, we have some fantastic new people joining us to work alongside experienced members and opportunities to recruit more skills and talent. I’m really looking forward to building a strong team and being able to offer the executive team the exceptional levels of support and governance that an ambitious, fast growing trust like Wellspring needs.”