The chief executive of a major Midlands schools trust has stepped away from his role as widespread strike action continues to disrupt education across the region.
Leadership Change During Industrial Action
Richard Gill, the chief executive officer of The Arthur Terry Learning Partnership (ATLP), has taken a 'leave of absence' from his position. The Birmingham-based trust, which operates 24 schools across Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, North Warwickshire, Lichfield, Tamworth and Coventry, confirmed the development amid ongoing industrial disputes that have seen 20 of its institutions affected by closures or partial closures.
Interim Leadership Appointment
Lee Miller, who joined ATLP as chief finance and operating officer at the beginning of this year, will assume interim responsibility for running the trust. Miller brings extensive experience from his previous role at The Thinking Schools Academy Trust in Chatham, Kent, where he served for 12 years as finance and HR director before becoming deputy CEO.
The trust has emphasised that Miller's immediate priority is working productively with trade union partners to resolve the current industrial action as swiftly as possible, ensuring all pupils can return to normal school attendance.
Escalating Strike Action
This week marks the third week of strike action by National Education Union members, with staff participating in four consecutive days of industrial action. Thousands of pupils have already missed eight days of schooling, with a ninth planned for tomorrow, and nine additional strike days have been scheduled.
The industrial action will continue with four more days next week, followed by a full five-day walkout in the week preceding half term. This sustained disruption has generated significant frustration among parents whose children have been absent from school for extended periods.
Financial Challenges and Recovery Plans
ATLP faces substantial financial difficulties, with the trust known to be carrying millions of pounds in debt and having received repayable loans from the Department for Education. The organisation is implementing what it describes as a sustainable financial recovery plan to restore financial stability.
A trust spokesperson stated: "Lee is focused on working productively and transparently with our trades union partners to resolve the current industrial action as swiftly as possible so that all pupils can attend their school as normal. At the same time, he is working with Trust leaders to support the delivery of a sustainable financial recovery plan."
School Community Impact
The strike action has affected numerous secondary schools including The Arthur Terry School, The Royal Sutton School, Stockland Green School, The Coleshill School, Nether Stowe School and West Coventry Academy. Multiple primary schools across the region have also experienced disruptions.
Only four ATLP schools have remained unaffected by the industrial action thus far: The Bridge Academy in Lichfield, Greysbrooke Primary School in Shenstone, Brookvale Primary School in Erdington and Dunstall Park Primary in Tamworth.
Addressing Online Abuse
The trust has issued a plea for respectful engagement, calling for an end to online abuse directed at its workers through social media and messaging platforms. The spokesperson added: "We welcome support and challenge, but challenge must be constructive, and we would ask that there are no further instances of colleagues receiving abuse on social media or in messages."
While arrangements remain in place to support continued learning during strike periods, the trust acknowledges the frustration felt by many within its school communities and emphasises that all parties are working diligently to resolve the ongoing disputes.
