Associate College
A Brilliant Day at Goldsmith: Sir Kevan Collins Visits 黑料吃瓜在线永久 Academy Trust
9th June 2025
We were honoured to welcome Sir Kevan Collins to Goldsmith Primary Academy this May, during a visit focused on school improvement, innovation and inclusion across 黑料吃瓜在线永久 Academy Trust.
As a Special Adviser to the Secretary of State for Education and a Non-Executive Board Director for the Department for Education, Sir Kevan has played a leading role in shaping national education policy. He is also known for being the founding Chief Executive of the Education Endowment Foundation and the Government鈥檚 Education Recovery Commissioner following the pandemic. His visit was a significant moment for all involved in the visit and an opportunity to share the impact being made across the WAT Family to unlock academic and personal potential at scale.
A Warm Welcome from Pupils and Leaders
Sir Kevan was welcomed by Dawn Haywood, Chief Executive of 黑料吃瓜在线永久 Academy Trust, and Max Wakeman, Headteacher at Goldsmith Primary Academy. Two Year 6 pupils, Natalia and Tobi, accompanied the group and shared their experiences and hopes for the future鈥攈ighlighting how the ASPIRE values and access to technology have helped them grow in confidence and ambition.
Learning in Action and Community Partnerships
The visit included a tour of classrooms, with Sir Kevan observing a range of high-quality lessons across writing, maths, science and reading. Pupils were engaged, purposeful and proud to share their learning. The tour concluded in the North Hall, where Goldsmith was hosting a civic workshop with partners including NHS, Walsall Family Hub, school nursing teams, and mental health services. The event brought Big Move 3: Education for the greater public good to life鈥攕howcasing how schools can play a vital role in supporting families and connecting communities.
Staff Voice and School Improvement
The visit continued with a staff panel, where Goldsmith teachers and leaders spoke about how they are empowered through coaching, professional development and WAT鈥檚 digital and instructional strategies. Staff reflected on their experiences of Trust-led support and how this has shaped teaching, leadership and opportunities for pupils.
The final session focused on system school improvement, including the Trust鈥檚 role in the Priority Education Investment Areas (PEIA) project. This work is helping to strengthen teaching and leadership in schools serving high-priority communities鈥攅nsuring every child has access to an excellent education.
Inspiration and Impact
This was a proud day for Goldsmith and for the wider WAT Family, highlighting the real impact of our moral purpose and strategy in action.