News

We are pleased to share that Sudbury Primary School recently converted to academy status and joined ACE Derbyshire Trust.   Gail Khan Associates were delighted to support the school and the Trust throughout the conversion, providing end-to-end project management alongside clear advice and guidance at every stage. Working closely with school leaders, the Trust and key stakeholders, GKA helped ensure statutory requirements were met and that the transition was delivered smoothly and efficiently.   This conversion is an important milestone for Sudbury Primary School and for…

Gail Khan Associates is marking a major milestone on 1st May, celebrating 15 years since founder Gail Khan established the education and project management consultancy.  Founded in 2011, Gail Khan Associates works with Multi Academy Trusts, schools, academies, further and higher education providers, local authorities and government agencies, providing specialist support and overseeing major change projects.  Its work spans project management, governance and procurement support, stakeholder consultation and communications, interim support services, bid writing, helping education organisations plan, deliver and embed improvements.  Over the last 15 years Gail…

At Gail Khan Associates, we are proud to have played a key role in supporting Ethos Academy Trust with the successful opening of Elevate – a new SEMH provision developed under the umbrella of Elements Academy in Rotherham.  This new satellite site has been designed specifically to support Key Stage 4 students with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs who are unable to attend a school setting, providing a nurturing and inclusive environment where young people can access full-time education. Elevate, opened in January…

We are delighted to introduce Michelle Phillips, one of GKA’s Project Manager/Co‑ordinators, who brings a wealth of experience and expertise to our team.   Michelle has over 20 years’ experience across a broad range of sectors, from private industry to education. Having previously worked within a well‑established multi‑academy trust, she offers strong communications and management skills, with a proven ability to lead teams, meet key deadlines and deliver high‑quality projects from concept through to completion.   At GKA, Michelle provides oversight and coordination across a wide…

We’re excited to introduce Melanie Clarke, our Project Support and Senior Administrator, who brings over 30 years of PA and administrative experience at Director and Executive level. As a central point of contact, Melanie has worked with GKA for more than 9 years, playing a key role in streamlining processes and ensuring smooth transitions for both colleagues and clients.  With a strong background in administration, organisation, and a keen eye for detail, Melanie consistently demonstrates exceptional organisational and problem-solving skills. Melanie excels…

Are you making the most of your SEND budget?   Do you need to think differently about how you ensure your SEND funding goes further?   Have you reached a pressure point in your SEND provision?  Whether an individual school, a group of schools or a Multi Academy Trust (MAT) GKA can help you to facilitate an independent review of SEND, leading to comprehensive action planning and creative solutions for a system under such significant pressure.     At GKA, we understand the increasingly complex landscape of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). With rising levels of…

Solent Academies Trust’s new special school, Luminous Oak Academy, reached a major milestone in its development recently when it celebrated a symbolic steel frame-signing ceremony at its construction site in Eastleigh, Hampshire.   The event saw attendees sign a structural steel frame that will remain part of the building – serving as a lasting symbol of Hampshire County Council and Solent Academies Trust’s commitment to inclusive education and opportunity for all.   GKA are project managing the delivery of the new school for Solent Academies Trust,…

1st December marked a major milestone for the newly formed Heritage Multi-Academy Trust as Reinwood Infant & Nursery School and Reinwood Junior School officially joined the Trust. Their transfer completes a two-year journey to bring together six local Kirklees based schools, with a long-standing culture of collaboration and shared ambition for children and young people. This group of schools is already deeply connected through years of joint working, shared practice and aligned values. They began exploring formal partnership options in…

GKA is proud to have recently led the consultation process for the creation of Luminous Oak Academy, a new specialist school in Hampshire for Solent Academies Trust.   Designed to support children with social, emotional, and mental health needs, Luminous Oak Academy will offer high-quality education for up to 125 students aged 8–16, addressing the growing demand within the Hampshire special school system.  Our team expertly guided Solent Academies Trust through every stage of the consultation, ensuring that all key stakeholders…

GKA are working in close partnership with Solent Academies Trust to develop and implement a comprehensive People Strategy that will support the Trust’s development while nurturing a thriving, values-led workforce.  With five specialist schools already in place and two more due to open by 2028, Solent Academies Trust recognised the need to future-proof its approach to workforce planning, culture, and staff development. As a trusted partner GKA were asked to lead the development of a People Strategy.  GKA has worked…