I am humbled to introduce myself as the Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Torfield and Saxon Mount Academy Trust (TASMAT).
TASMAT is governed by a Board of Trustees who are supported by an Academy Advisory Board (AAB). Our trustees and governors have a wide range of appropriate expertise and skills. Together we work in partnership with the Executive Headteacher / Chief Executive Officer to provide oversight and strategic direction the schools in our Trust.
Torfield and Saxon Mount Schools converted to become a Multi-Academy Trust in 2014. Torfield and Saxon Mount Academy Trust (TASMAT) is governed by a Board of Trustees who are supported by an Academy Advisory Board (AAB).
Our trustees and governors have a wide range of appropriate expertise and skills. Together we work in partnership with the Executive Headteacher / Chief Executive Officer to provide oversight and strategic direction for our schools.
The Board of Trustees is the accountable body for schools in TASMAT, responsible for setting our strategic vision, monitoring and holding school leaders to account for educational performance, and for oversight of financial performance.
The AAB supports the Board of Trustees by monitoring aspects of educational provision, including teaching, learning, safeguarding, and health and safety.
All trustees and governors undertake regular training and development to ensure that we are well placed to plan strategically for the future, and to ensure that all decisions we take are based on supporting the wellbeing and achievements of all our pupils.
We are delighted that both our schools were graded ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted at their most recent inspections, and that our Trust is highly valued for its work with other schools in Hastings, St Leonards and across East Sussex.
"This is a school where high levels of aspiration and inspiration go hand in hand. Pupils enjoy increasing success as they first settle, then move rapidly upwards and onwards…It does not matter what pupils’ background or barriers to learning are, staff want the best for everyone".- Saxon Mount Ofsted, 2023
"Torfield is a school filled with high aspiration. Leaders and staff are determined that pupils develop independence and ‘tools for life’. This is to enable pupils to communicate, make choices, experience successful transitions in education and beyond, and become adults who participate in and contribute to society".- Torfield Ofsted, 2023
At the heart of TASMAT is a clear vision, embedded and developed by the senior leadership of our schools. We aim for and achieve outstanding provision by making sure we work collaboratively and positively with our stakeholders. The quality of teaching and learning is consistently recognised by internal and external assessors as being of a significantly high standard and leaders strive to make further improvements year on year.
"Leaders at all levels are ambitious for pupils to succeed, no matter what their learning pathways are. Outcomes at the end of Year 11 are impressive. Staff are skilled at delivering and adapting their teaching so that pupils are successful in their learning while also being challenged well".
- Saxon mount Ofsted 2023
Our fantastic staff in both schools share our high expectations and aspirations. As a result, our pupils feel safe and happy, which enables most to make outstanding progress during their time with us.
"Pupils love coming to Torfield School. Each day starts positively, with happy greetings between pupils and with staff, followed by breakfast served in classrooms. Pupils’ happiness and strong sense of safety are evidenced through trusting relationships, smiles and laughter. Leaders and staff have high expectations for pupils’ behaviour, learning and personal development".- torfield Ofsted 2023
The quality of our school buildings and resources is under continuous review and development. Trustees rigorously monitor our financial health to ensure that pupils’ needs are well met with access to appropriate high-quality learning environments.
We can only achieve true success with the support of parents and carers. Your interest, encouragement and support are vital in ensuring that our pupils attend well to maximise their access to the excellent opportunities offered in our schools. We value your views and will continue to gather these at regular intervals throughout the year to help us to review and develop our provision.
Our team of trustees and governors are enormously proud of all pupils and members of staff and everything they achieve. We will continue to work relentlessly to provide an outstanding educational experience at TASMAT.
Ian Kingham
Chair of the Board of Trustees Autumn 2026
