Welcome to Monday Night Live

Join us for another insightful episode of Monday Night Live, where Derek Arden welcomes an inspiring leader in education, Mike Foley, CEO of the Wessex Academy Trust.

With a career spanning from teaching in London to leading one of the UK’s most successful Multi-Academy Trusts, Mike shares his journey, leadership insights, and the challenges of managing 12 schools, 7,000 students, and nearly 1,000 staff members.

Mike Foley’s Leadership Journey

Mike’s career in education started unexpectedly. Growing up in South London, he initially considered a legal career after earning a history degree. However, a postgrad opportunity in teaching changed everything. He quickly discovered his passion for education, leading him to rapid promotions and eventually to the role of headteacher in his late 30s. After a decade in that role, he embraced the challenge of leading The Thomas Hardy School, one of the largest schools in the UK, before taking on the CEO position at Wessex Academy Trust in 2021.

The Challenges of Leading a Multi-Academy Trust

Running a multi-academy trust is a monumental task. Mike explains how strategic leadership, teamwork, and a strong culture keep the organization running smoothly. Key leadership challenges include:

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• Maintaining a unified culture across 12 schools while allowing for individual school identities.
  
• Managing a £50 million budget efficiently, ensuring schools receive the necessary resources.
  
• Recruiting and retaining teachers, particularly as the UK faces a shortage of qualified educators.
  
• Supporting students post-COVID, especially those dealing with mental health challenges and complex learning needs.
  

Leadership at Scale – The Power of People

A recurring theme in Mike’s leadership philosophy is trusting and empowering people. He emphasizes that leading at scale means ensuring others are motivated, aligned with the vision, and able to execute effectively. The key question he always asks himself is: How do I get people to do the right things, willingly and passionately?

Mike also discusses the importance of continuous performance management. Instead of outdated annual reviews, the trust has moved towards ongoing performance reflection and feedback loops, helping leaders and teachers stay sharp and motivated.

Education and Innovation – The Role of AI

With artificial intelligence (AI) becoming a hot topic in education, Mike shares how Wessex Academy Trust is using AI creatively rather than banning it outright. One example? Students critiquing AI-generated essays to enhance their learning experience. He believes that embracing new technology, rather than fearing it, is crucial for the future of education.

Mobile Phones in Schools – A Balanced Approach

One of the biggest debates in education today is mobile phone use in schools. Mike recalls how, as headteacher at Thomas Hardy, he introduced a compromise policy: students could bring phones to school, but they had to be turned off and put away during the day. Breaking the rule meant parents had to come in to collect the phone. The result? A school-wide culture of responsibility and respect.

Being an Ofsted Inspector – Insights from the Inside

As an Ofsted inspector, Mike provides valuable insights into the inspection process. He highlights that Ofsted’s role isn’t just to criticize but to confirm schools’ own self-assessments and help them improve. He also discusses upcoming changes to the Ofsted framework, expected in September 2025, which could impact the way Multi-Academy Trusts are evaluated.

Final Leadership Advice – Building Resilience

When asked for his one piece of advice for aspiring leaders, Mike emphasizes resilience. His mantra? Find the good in the bad. Every challenge presents a learning opportunity, and those who can adapt and push forward will be the most successful in any field.

Thank You for Watching!

A huge thank you to Mike Foley for sharing his expertise and leadership wisdom. If you’re passionate about education, leadership, or innovation, this episode is a must-watch!