Important Announcement Regarding the Retirement of WMAT CEO, John Winter

Statement from John Winter CEO of WMAT.

After careful consideration, I have made the decision to retire from my role as Chief Executive Officer of the Trust. My last working day will be 21 September 2026.

It has been a privilege to serve our schools, students, staff, governors and wider communities. I am immensely proud of all that has been achieved during my time with the Trust and deeply grateful for the commitment, professionalism and support I have experienced throughout.

The strength of the Trust lies in its people, systems and shared purpose, and I am confident that this provides a strong foundation for continued success. The leadership team and staff across the Trust remain exceptionally well placed to ensure continuity, stability and ongoing improvement throughout this transition period. We will remain in FLOW, stronger together. 

While this decision means my retirement comes sooner than many may have anticipated, it is a personal one, made after thoughtful reflection. Over the coming weeks, I will work closely with colleagues and the Trust Board to ensure a smooth, structured and well-managed handover, with continuity of leadership and minimal disruption to our schools and operations.

During this period, it is very much business as usual, and I would ask that the focus remains firmly on the continued delivery of high-quality education and support for our children and young people.

An announcement regarding future leadership arrangements will be made by the Trust Board in due course.

Thank you to everyone I have had the privilege to work alongside. I wish the Trust, its staff, students and communities every continued success for the future.

Statement from Ralph Johnson, Chair of WMAT Trust Board.

Today, John Winter, CEO of Weydon Multi Academy Trust (WMAT), announced his retirement, with his final day in post being 21 September 2026.

On behalf of the WMAT Trust Board, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to John for his outstanding and dedicated service. John served as Headteacher of Weydon School for eleven years before leading WMAT as CEO for the past nine years.

Under his visionary leadership, the Trust expanded from four schools in 2017 to eighteen today—encompassing primary, secondary, specialist, and sixth-form provision—now serving more than 13,000 students. The provision  of WMAT teacher training (SCITT) provision has also expanded under his leadership.

Throughout his tenure, John maintained a relentless focus on educational excellence, ensuring every student had the opportunity to reach their full potential. His commitment, energy, and vision have established WMAT as a strong, stable, and thriving Trust, leaving an enduring legacy and a firm foundation for its next chapter. The Trust’s vision of ‘Stronger Together’ has never been more true.

To ensure a seamless transition while the process to appoint a permanent successor takes place, the Trust Board is delighted to announce that Louise Buckley will step into the role of Interim CEO. Additionally, Mark Sharman will serve as Interim Deputy CEO, focusing on maintaining and advancing the Trust’s educational progress.

The Board extends its heartfelt thanks to John for his exceptional contribution to WMAT and wishes him every happiness in his retirement. We also congratulate Louise and Mark on their interim appointments and look forward to working alongside them as WMAT embarks on this exciting new phase.