Ian Raikes – CEO Southport Learning Trust
I am proud to be the CEO of Southport Learning Trust since its formation in July 2017 and passionate about improving the life chances of all students in our area. I was the Headteacher of Greenbank High School until August 2021, a high performing secondary school in Southport and approved DFE sponsor since 2017. I am a Geography teacher and have a real interest in sustainability and climate change.
I want students to dream and aspire high and I am Chair of the Liverpool City Region Careers Hub and sit on the national Education Leaders Advisory Group which strategically supports the Department for Education Careers Strategy. Passionate about developing gold standard leaders, I have been a lead deliverer of NPQSL (National Professional Qualification for Senior Leaders) and NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headteachers) over the past decade. I achieved NPQH and NPQEL (National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership) in 2020 as a member of the first cohort nationally.
As chair of the Southport Learning Partnership in 20221-22 consisting of all the primary and secondary schools in Southport we have been developing projects related to reading, mental health and wellbeing and equality over the past year. I am a member of Sefton Safeguarding Children Partnership Forum representing local Headteachers and secondary schools on the strategic development of safeguarding and sit on the Digital Skills Board for Sefton to support children in having the necessary skills to progress into the workplace.
As a member of the Governing Body of Sefton SKY Music Hub partnership I support the strategic development of music education in the locality and believe the Arts should be at the heart of the curriculum of all great schools.
I spend any spare time with my wife and four children, three of whom are now in university studying Medicine, Environmental Geography and a Masters in Broadcast Journalism around the country. I have coached junior football for over 25 years and am a passionate Welshman and avid supporter of Cardiff City Football Club, Glamorgan and England cricket and Welsh rugby.