We are excited to announce that our Chair of Governors, Shaun Flynn, has been shortlisted for the Governor of the Year Award in the National School Awards!
This national recognition highlights Shaun’s outstanding contribution to governance and his lasting impact on our students, staff and the wider Gainsborough community.
Our school serves a community with high levels of socio-economic deprivation, with some areas ranking among the top 10% most deprived in England in terms of employment, health, crime and education. Against this backdrop, Shaun has provided stability, vision and leadership as Chair of Governors for several years, ensuring our school governance makes a real difference.
Under Shaun’s guidance, our school has seen significant progress, including:
- Improved attendance since 2021/22
- Strenghthened behaviour and wellbeing systems, ensuring a safer, more inclusive environment
- Rebuilt community confidence through initiatives such as Proud to be TGA, where Shaun plays an active and trusted role
- Increased governance capacity, through mentoring fellow governors and supporting recruitment
Shaun’s commitment has helped shape a school culture where our students remain at the heart of all decision-making, contributing directly to our continued improvement and success.
Rachael Skelton, Headteacher at The Gainsborough Academy, said: “Shaun is an integral part of the leadership at The Gainsborough Academy. His commitment to our school goes above and beyond – he is always available to offer support and advice to staff and students. I would personally like to thank him for his continued support and the role he has played in our ongoing improvements.”
Helen O’Brien, CEO at Wickersley Partnership Trust, added: “We are delighted that Shaun has been recognised on a national level and is up for the Governor of the Year Award. It is fantastic to see The Gainsborough Academy go from strength to strength, and Shaun has played a huge part in that through his practical and student-focused governance.
“His strategic oversight, along with his genuine understanding of Gainsborough and the school community, have been crucial in ensuring that board-level decisions lead to real improvements for both our staff and students. We’re incredibly grateful to have him chairing governance at TGA and playing such an influential role across Wickersley Partnership Trust. We wish him the best of luck at the awards.”
Wickersley Partnership Trust (WPT) is also celebrating the achievements of Lee Rushforth, Director of Estates, who has been shortlisted for the Estates Management of the Year Award. Lee has led transformative projects across the Trust – including The Gainsborough Academy – improving sustainability, safety and inclusivity.
The National School Awards 2025 will take place in December at the House of Lords. We wish both Shaun and Lee the best of luck!
