Testimonials
Department for education
"The Department for Education invited Graham Feek and Eddie Pearce to be part of an Interim Academy Board for a standalone Academy Trust which had developed a significant overspend and had been issued with a financial notice to improve. Graham Feek provided strong strategic advice that was very helpful in securing change at the academy. Graham Feek oversaw the financial recovery plan developed by Eddie Pearce.
Eddie Pearce worked on a new financial recovery plan for the ESFA, to replace an unsatisfactory plan that the standalone academy had developed. Eddie Pearce worked well with finance staff at the standalone academy and has credibility with ESFA. The revised recovery plan enabled ESFA to reach an agreed repayment level with an incoming MAT for the academy. The plan also ensured that the academy was sustainable. The academy was previously RI but is now good, and it is now following an agreed financial repayment plan."
Jonathan Gore – DfE
Faithfull & Gould
“ I have worked with Greenwood Academies Trust over a number of years on new Build Schools and refurbishments in Nottingham. I have enjoyed working with the GAT team who have always been passionate about getting the best teaching spaces and facilities for their pupils. Decisions that required making on the schemes have also been swiftly executed and always with budget in mind.”
Paula Marritt - Faithfull and Gould
GSS Architecture
"GSS Architecture worked with GAT to create a new all-through special school in Northamptonshire. The project began with a tour of an existing, similar school where the knowledgeable teachers explained the technical requirements for a new building. However, it was also apparent that the kind nature and specific knowledge of the staff working with these children was imperative. Once the project started on site, the teaching staff assigned to the project were equally impressive, ensuring that the needs of the students were addressed within the final product. GAT arranged for pupils to visit site, including tree planting, which provided a valuable learning experience for the children.
Working with clients who have experience of building projects can significantly aid the construction process. GAT have helped to deliver several new school buildings around the country and this experience allowed them to be decisive, making key decisions early enough to avoid any issues on site. The GAT team also included IT specialists who ensured that the interfaces between client and contractor were seamless.
The Purple Oaks Academy project provides much needed specialist school spaces, the project was completed on time with no issues during design or construction. GAT were a significant contributor within the design team and it was a pleasure to work together."
Tom Jagger, Associate
Nottingham City council
"Major Projects: Education acted as the Client Project Manager on several projects for Greenwood Academies Trust, including the Nottingham Academy and the Nottingham Girls’ Academy. Greenwood Academies Trust are an excellent client and a real pleasure to work with. The representatives from the Trust are focused, and determined to achieve the best possible outcomes of projects whilst maintaining a pragmatic and supportive approach throughout. There is a clear ‘brand’ and the resulting scope is well defined, facilitating a smooth process and ensuring clarity that smooths the project process, from start to finish. All the team representing the Trust have a positive and proactive attitude, supporting the delivery team to collaborate and problem solve together. I look forward to our next project working together!"
Sarah White, Major Projects - Nottingham City Council
G F Tomlinson
“The vision of the Greenwood Academies Trust was to enhance the potential Purple Oaks Academy has to make a difference to the local community. The success of this project was only possible through the collaborative approach adopted by the Trust. By fostering a partnering relationship from the outset, we have produced one of the most successful ESFA Framework projects and I hope we get the opportunity to work together again on future projects.”
Ian Dalby, Contracts Manager - G F Tomlinson
R G Carter
“We are pleased to have worked on the construction of Rushden Primary Academy, which opened its doors in September 2015. With fourteen classrooms, dining facilities and new play areas, the project provided exceptional facilities which benefitted both the established and the new residential communities nearby. We are very proud of the positive impact it will have on the local community for years to come.”
Sarah Noble Marketing Coordinator - R G Carter
Gleeds Management Services Ltd
"Gleeds would like to express our appreciation to the Trust and School for working with us in a collaborative manner which made the process easier to manage.
As technical advisors on the new Purple Oaks school we are delighted with the results and hope the new buildings will be a positive learning environment for all. A construction project is about more than bricks and mortar, it is a team effort that would not have been possible without the commitment and passion of all those involved from the Greenwood Academies Trust and Purple Oaks Academy, along with their insight into insuring the facilities met the needs of the students.
We hope to learn and grow from every project and would relish the opportunity to work with you again in the future."
Rachel Lines, Associate Director - Gleeds Management Services Ltd