Special educational needs trust announces major appointments

An educational trust with schools covering a wide spectrum of Special Educational Needs has announced two major appointments.

Leanne Mahony (pictured) and Nicky Crookshank have joined Forward Education Trust (FET) as director of education and headteacher at Hallmoor School respectively.

Leanne will be responsible for driving school improvement, through enhancing teaching and learning capacity within the trust and developing school curricula with support of external partners.

Nicky has been in post since January 2025 as interim Headteacher and has now been appointed permanently.

FET runs seven schools in around the Birmingham and West Midlands area. 

All children who attend FET schools have Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND). 

FET employs over 450 staff and educates over 850 children.

Leanne’s career spans roles as regional director in a large multi-academy Trust and more recently executive headteacher across two primary schools in Birmingham.

Leanne said: “I am honoured to join Forward Education Trust as director of education. I’m passionate about creating inclusive, high-quality learning environments where every child can thrive.

“I look forward to working with colleagues across the Trust to build on existing strengths, develop innovative practice, and ensure all our pupils receive the best possible educational experience.”

CEO Simon Dilkes said: “We are exceptionally fortunate to bring someone of Leanne’s experience to our Trust in this pivotal role.

“She has the interests of our children, families and our staff at the centre of her thinking.”

Hallmoor School is a large all-through school, with 290 places, for children predominantly with learning needs around autism, cognition and interaction.

It was rated “good” by Ofsted in December 2023. The school educates children between the ages of 4 to 19.

Nicky said: “I am excited to have been appointed as the permanent Headteacher at Hallmoor School.  Since starting in January, I have been impressed with the commitment of staff to supporting students and ensuring that they have the best chances in life and providing a wide range of enrichment opportunities. 

“As a school we are dedicated to continue to provide a holistic, nurturing and ambitious experience for all our young people.”

Simon Dilkes continued: “We are delighted to confirm Nicky’s appointment as permanent Headteacher at Hallmoor School. 

“Our learners and their families will benefit over years to come from her leadership of the staff team, and we know that Nicky will be at the heart of her school community.”