Hello and welcome to The Challenge Academy Trust,
Established in 2017, TCAT emerged from the shared vision of like-minded leaders from local primary and secondary schools in Warrington along with Priestley College. This vision was simple: a commitment to deep collaboration aimed at improving and enhancing outcomes for children and young people within our community, a responsibility we continue to uphold today.
The world has witnessed profound change since our inception in 2017, ushering in a new landscape of challenges for both our staff and the young people we serve.
Consequently, our vision has evolved, with a newfound emphasis on the principle of agency. In our pursuit of better outcomes, the promotion of agency among children, young people, staff, and leaders has become pivotal to our future successes. Our objective is to equip all our students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to navigate a changing world successfully. We aim to empower school leaders to run thriving academies whilst leveraging our strength and capacity to contribute to the broader educational system.
Our vision is rooted in our mission – to serve, challenge, and empower the educational community. We embody this mission by offering highly effective services to our academies, fostering strong leadership, investing in our workforce, and inspiring the children and young people in our care.
These guiding principles are anchored in our core values, which encompass:
- Inclusivity and social justice
- Educational excellence
- Collaboration and interdependence
- Challenge and service
- Care and sustainability
- Celebrating difference
These values underpin everything we do as a trust, shaping our services and working practices.
TCAT is a truly unique trust, bringing together a diverse range of primary and secondary academies alongside a sixth form college and a Church of England High School – the first of its kind in the country. As an inclusive Multi-Academy Trust driven by a profound moral compass, we are dedicated to creating an environment that nurtures, challenges, and inspires every young person to achieve their personal best for themselves and their communities. Young people are at the very heart of our mission.
There are currently 11 academies within the trust including five primary academies, five secondary academies and a sixth form college. We also have three Associate Members who are planning to join the trust later this year.
As Chief Executive Officer, my job is to ensure that all staff, children and young people within the organisation flourish and achieve their potential throughout their time with us. I take immense pride in leading such a successful and dynamic organisation.
With over 25 years of experience in the field of education, including seven years as Principal at Beamont Collegiate Academy, an academy within our trust, I can attest that TCAT stands as a uniquely collaborative institution where all stakeholders work together for the collective betterment of our staff and young people.
Whether you’re here seeking information about The Challenge Academy Trust or exploring opportunities, we hope you find what you seek on our website. For specific inquiries, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at admin@tcat.uk.com
Best wishes
Andy Moorcroft BA Hons, NPQEL
Chief Executive Officer