The future of The Leigh Institute, containing four highly successful organisations, continues to gather pace. At the centre of this new opportunity sit the two largest entities: Kent and Medway Training (KMT) and Thames Gateway Teaching School Hub (TGTSH). Following both the announcement of Stuart Russell’s retirement from KMT later this year and Esther Cook’s appointment as Director of The Leigh Institute, we are delighted to announce that Pollyann Butterfield-Tracey and Faye McGill have been appointed as The Leigh Institute’s inaugural Deputy Directors with effect from 5th June. They will take specific responsibility for KMT and TGTSH respectively, under the leadership of Esther Cook, its inaugural Director.
The Leigh Institute, alongside LAT Apprenticeships and the Kent and Medway Maths Hub, draws together these organisations’ shared ambition to provide a full package of support for 400 schools and partner organisations across the South East. The Leigh Institute will offer each of its component parts mutual support and collaboration, allowing each high performing organisation to thrive.
With a wealth of experience in the leadership of Initial Teacher Training, Pollyann Butterfield-Tracey has been instrumental in the recent success of KMT and has led its East Kent Hub. Polly has played an essential leadership role in the KMT team’s work to secure re-accreditation as an ITT provider, putting in place a new curriculum, meeting the requirements of the ITT review, and securing an extremely strong Ofsted outcome. Polly has led on regional ITT projects and has embedded the ‘Assessment Only’ programme in KMT’s offer, ensuring that KMT continues to meet local and regional need, supporting our schools to see a continual supply of new professionals, equipped with the knowledge and skills to provide a world-class education for our children. Polly will take on specific leadership for KMT, as well as contributing to the wider work of The Leigh Institute.
Faye McGill has a wealth of leadership experience in education. Having previously served as Principal of The Leigh Academy, she has also gained a wealth of system leadership expertise. Faye has been instrumental in the set up of TGTSH, leading on the development of its flagship offer of NPQ programmes, with over 1,200 colleagues already undertaking a programme implemented through her leadership. She is committed to outstanding professional development, which meets local and regional need, and is experienced in working collaboratively across the region. Faye will lead TGTSH, and contribute to the wider work of The Leigh Institute.
In addition, and as a result of these appointments, Stuart Russell will move across from KMT to LAT Apprenticeships offering leadership and support until his retirement in late-October as Laura Stratton (Head of LAT Apprenticeships) begins her maternity leave. We wish both Laura and Stuart the very best of luck.
Finally, I am sure you will join us in congratulating both Faye and Polly on their new appointments as we continue to strengthen the professional training and development services for teachers and support staff throughout the South East. We look forward to sharing the full offer of The Leigh Institute in the coming weeks and months, and are confident this new opportunity to enhance our offer will have a positive impact across our region.
