Our Governors

I am immensely proud 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.

The Board of Trustees is the accountable body for schools in TASMAT. We are responsible for setting the vision for the Trust, monitoring and holding school leaders to account for educational performance and for overseeing financial performance. The AAB supports the Board of Trustees by monitoring aspects of educational provision, including learning and teaching, safeguarding, and health and safety. We all regularly undertake training and development to ensure that we are well placed to plan strategically for the future, with all decisions based on enhancing and supporting the wellbeing and achievements of our pupils.

Torfield and Saxon Mount Schools converted to become a Multi Academy Trust in 2014 making a positive impact on the educational provision and outcomes for our pupils.

In recent years we have provided a range of support to other special schools and mainstream schools. For example, St Mary’s School and 6^th Form College in Bexhill, a non-maintained 5-19 residential special school, now works as a close partner with TaSMAT. We are also open to working with other special schools who are interested in joining our successful Trust.

We are delighted that our schools are graded by Ofsted as ‘Outstanding’ and 'Good with Outstanding features’ and that our Trust is highly valued for its work in Hastings, St Leonards and in other parts of 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 our clear vision, which is embodied and developed by the excellent 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 recognised by internal and external assessors and advisors as being at least good or outstanding 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 share our high expectations and aspirations and as a result our pupils are safe and happy, many of whom 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

All school buildings and resources are continually being reviewed and developed. Trustees rigorously monitor finances and accounts to ensure that the pupils’ needs are well met with access to appropriate high quality environments and resources.

We achieve success with the support of parents and carers. Your interest, encouragement and support are vital in ensuring that pupils attend well and maximise their access to the excellent opportunities offered in our schools. We value your views, and we will continue to gather these at regular intervals throughout the year which helps us to plan 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.

 Sarah Fitzjohn Scott                                                                                                                                                                                       Chair of the Board of Trustees                                                                                                                                                                   Autumn 2024