Aquinas Trust

Who is Aquinas?

We are a family of schools that deliver Life-Transforming- Learning.
Big enough to support but small enough to care, plus we have a proven track record of turning sponsored schools around.
In our schools, every learner flourishes, regardless of their background or starting point.
We believe every community deserves an effective school, and bring the diligence and security to make that happen.
Our schools all have their own identity based around the communities they serve, but also benefit from the opportunities we bring as a Trust.
Many of our schools are Church of England schools, and the Trust is founded on Christian values. To us that means celebrating individuals, embracing differences and welcoming staff and children of all cultures and of all religions (or none).
We recognise the importance of diversity and talent, where differences are valued and enhanced whilst delivering equity of opportunity as part of our inclusive culture.
We care about and educate the whole child, combining an excellent education with a firm moral grounding so our learners can give back to their communities.

The Aquinas Central Team includes:

Chief Executive Officer: Kathy Griffiths
Chief Financial Officer: Andrew Ferguson
Director of Human Resources: Matt Robins
Secondary Education Lead: Simon Murphy
Primary Education Director: Geraldine Shackleton
Executive Headteacher, Rye Academies: Barry Blakelock
Executive Assistant to the CEO: Stephanie Ballard
Director of Communication and Compliance: Mary Capon
Facilities Manager: David Ballard
Training & Development Director: Laura Pearson

The Aquinas Central Team can be contacted by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. or by writing to the address below. The contact telephone number is 020 3949 7000.

Further information on the Trust can be found on the Aquinas website by clicking here. The Aquinas website also includes policies relevant to the academy, a full list of which can be found by clicking here.

St George's Primary is part of the Aquinas Church of England Education Trust (Aquinas). A charitable company Limited by guarantee and registered in England and Wales under Company Number 07525735. Its registered office is at Bishop Justus Church of England School, Magpie Hall Lane, BR2 8HZ. This is also the address for the Aquinas offices.

Click here to see the DoE Mainstream & Supplemental Funding Agreement April 2016

Equality at Aquinas

Aquinas is committed to the promotion of equality throughout the Trust so that all individuals have equality of opportunity and do not suffer any discrimination, directly or indirectly. In accordance with the Public Sector Equality Duty, as embodied by the Equality Act 2010 (the Act), Aquinas is committed to:

Eliminating unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation and other conduct prohibited by the Act;
Advancing equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not;
Fostering good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and those who do not.

Aquinas has an Equality Policy and a single equality scheme and statement which reflect the aims of the Act followed by all academies within the Trust.

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy

Our equality, diversity and inclusion strategy identifies key aspects of our work which together allow us to take a holistic approach to promoting equality, improving diversity and maximising inclusion.

Our three-year strategy, entitled ‘Valuing All’, gives rise to an annual action plan which is regularly reviewed.

As an Employer

We strive to be an equal opportunities employer and are committed to diversity amongst our workforce. We therefore encourage and welcome applications from underrepresented or disadvantaged groups (including, for example, women, people of colour, disabled candidates and LGBTQ+ candidates). We are happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable disabled candidates to demonstrate their suitability for a role and to consider flexible working in appropriate cases.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Further information can be found here