Simon Leach

Principal, Ormiston Ilkeston Enterprise Academy

Simon Leach has been Principal of Ormiston Ilkeston Enterprise Academy since January 2023. Since his appointment, he has led the academy through significant transformation, securing its first ever good judgement after more than 20 years of satisfactory, requires improvement and inadequate inspection outcomes. Simon is passionate about overcoming educational disadvantage and creating the culture and climate for young people to achieve social, emotional and academic success. Under his leadership, Ormiston Ilkeston has developed a distinctive approach to enrichment, embedding it into the core school week alongside academic subjects. Serving a highly disadvantaged community, Simon has championed an entitlement model that ensures 100 percent of students access meaningful and regular enrichment, recognising its vital role in broadening horizons, building confidence and improving life chances.

School Improvement

1 Breakout sessions: Series one

Enrichment in practice: Curriculum and community approaches

This case study session explores two approaches to enrichment, and the role trusts can play in widening participation and opportunity. Leaders from Ormiston Academies Trust will share how a trust-wide commitment to guaranteed enrichment and a timetabled programme have helped improve engagement and attendance. Leaders from Altus Education Partnership will discuss how the Children's University, REACH, alumni networks, employer partnerships and community programmes are helping connect young people to experiences, aspirations and opportunities beyond the school gate. We will explore how these models were designed and implemented, the impact achieved, and the lessons learned for trusts looking to strengthen their own enrichment offer. Ideal for CEOs, directors of education and those responsible for personal development.