HISP Multi Academy Trust (HISP MAT) is seeking to appoint up to four new Trustees to join its established and forward-looking Board. This recruitment aims to strengthen the Trust’s governance capacity, support succession planning, and bring additional strategic expertise as the organisation moves into the next phase of its development.
HISP MAT is a growing Trust comprising six secondary schools and two primary schools, collectively educating over 5,300 pupils aged 3 to 19, supported by nearly 800 staff. The Trust spans a wide geographical area across Hampshire, Dorset, Southampton, the South Coast, and the Isle of Wight, serving a richly diverse mix of communities.
The Trust was founded from the success of Thornden School in Eastleigh, which built a strong reputation for excellence and collaboration. From this foundation, HISP has grown into a respected multi-academy trust known for its school improvement expertise, professional learning, and commitment to ethical and courageous leadership.
In recent years, the Trust has expanded carefully, adding three secondary schools in 2024 — Danebury School (formerly Test Valley), Medina College, and Carisbrooke College. All three had worked with HISP previously in a school improvement capacity. While work continues to embed and stabilise these schools, the Trust is pleased with the positive trajectory and the impact of its improvement model.
The Trust’s schools perform well overall: Tanners Brook Primary School was judged Good with Outstanding Behaviour and Attitudes in its June 2025 Ofsted inspection, and all other established schools within the Trust are Good. HISP MAT’s inclusive ethos is reflected in its specialist provision across three schools: Crofton School – The Croft (Autism Spectrum Disorder), Carisbrooke College – The Einstein Centre (Autism Spectrum Disorder), and Medina College – The Aspire Centre (Social, Emotional and Mental Health).
HISP’s three strategic priorities are to:
* Embed One Trust, One Culture
* Stabilise Our Schools
* Sustain and Strengthen HISP for the Future
The Trust has recently undergone an External Review of Governance (February 2024) and implemented nearly all recommendations, resulting in a strengthened and cohesive Board under a new Chair of Trustees (formerly the Vice Chair). The Executive Team, in post for around 18 months, is regarded as strong and effective.
With an annual income of over £54 million and prudent financial management, HISP maintains healthy reserves and ensures that funding decisions are made in the best interests of current and future pupils. The Trust is not actively seeking new schools at present but expects to explore further growth in 2026, once recent joiners are fully embedded.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a Trust with a strong ethos, a collaborative culture, and a clear strategy for the future. With a stable Executive Team, strengthened governance, and schools demonstrating sustained improvement, HISP MAT is poised for its next stage of growth and innovation.
Trustees joining at this time will have the chance to influence that direction, shape strategy, and ensure the Trust continues to provide the best possible experiences for all learners, guided by its values of ethical and courageous leadership and service to its communities.
HISP MAT is looking to appoint experienced and strategically minded Trustees who share its commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people. The Trust particularly welcomes applications from individuals with senior leadership or executive experience, whether in education, business, or the wider public or private sector.
The Trust is looking for Trustees with expertise in one or more of the following areas:
* Legal
* Marketing
* Branding
* Communications
Given the Trust’s cross-regional footprint, one new Trustee ideally will be based on the Isle of Wight, to strengthen local representation.
What does the role include?
As a trustee/director, your key responsibilities are to ensure clarity of vision, ethos, and strategic direction; to hold executive leaders to account – both for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils and the effective and efficient performance management of staff; and to oversee the organisation’s financial performance to ensure its funds are directed to the best possible educational outcomes for young people.
What are the benefits?
Volunteering on an academy trust board is a meaningful way to shape young people’s futures and strengthen education in your community. Trustees play a vital role in setting strategic direction and holding executive leaders to account — ensuring schools deliver the best outcomes.
Further information:
You can also find out more public information about the Trust on the Get Information About Schools Page https://www.get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/Search?SelectedTab=Groups HISP MULTI ACADEMY TRUST LTD reference number is 17393. The following webpage also provides useful information and reading to any potential trustee: https://governorsforschools.org.uk/trs/resources-for-academy-trustees/
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