Lord and Lady Nash stand down as trustees of the academy chain they founded. Or do they?

Two of the most prominent academy “sponsors” in England appear to have stepped down from their roles as trustees of the academy chain they founded. Or have they?

In an illustration of what can seem a bizarre quality to the governance of schools in England since the introduction of the academies policy, there is now some confusion about the positions of Lord and Lady Nash at Future Academies and its first-established school, Pimlico Academy, in central London.

Earlier this month, Education Uncovered had sight of a letter to staff from Lawrence Foley, chief executive of the 10-school Future Academies, in which he stated that the Nashes were standing down from their joint positions as chair of governors at Pimlico Academy.

This stated: “I am writing to inform you that John and Caroline Nash, after 16 years of dedicated service, have decided to step down as chairs of governors at Pimlico Academy at the end of this academic year…

“John and Caroline have been instrumental in the success and improvement of Pimlico Academy over the years. On behalf of the whole trust community, I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for their outstanding contribution and commitment. They will continue this work as trustees and sponsors of Future Academies.”