Gareth Shields

Gareth Shields

HR Manager

Gareth joined Frank Field Education Trust (FFET) as HR Manager in April 2022, with responsibility for leading the operational and strategic development of the Trust’s HR function. 

Prior to joining the Trust, Gareth has gained 3 years of operational and strategic HR experience within the private Health and Social Care sector; specifically within residential childcare and independent schools. Gareth has extensive experience working at a senior level; dealing with complex Employee Relations issues, implementing Learning and Development and Pay and Reward initiatives, Coaching and Mentoring, Change Management and Recruitment. Gareth also has a number of years of experience working in a fast-paced retail management role, before moving into the HR profession. 

Gareth is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), and holds both a CIPD Level 7 Diploma, and an MA degree in Human Resource Management. 

Latest News

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Handforth Grange Primary School has been shortlisted for the Tes Awards 2024
Handforth Grange Primary School has been shortlisted for the Tes Awards 2024

Mrs Andrea Booth, Head Teacher of Handforth Grange Primary School, expressed her pride and joy in the school’s recent outstanding achievement: “Receiving an outstanding rating from Ofsted is a testament to the dedication and collaborative spirit of our exceptional staff, parents, pupils and the entire school community.

She added: “We are delighted to announce we have been shortlisted for the 2024 TES Primary School of the Year award and we are looking forward to attending the ceremony event in London.

Jon Severs, Editor of Tes Magazine said, “Congratulations to all the shortlisted entries – the standard was so high this year despite the challenges schools face. It is critical we celebrate excellence and share it widely so we can ensure that the fantastic work happening in education is properly recognised.” 

Winners will be announced on 21st June at a glittering gala awards night at the Grosvenor Hotel, Park Lane, in London.

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Early Life Group at Frank Field Education Trust has been shortlisted for the Tes Awards 2024
Early Life Group at Frank Field Education Trust has been shortlisted for the Tes Awards 2024

The best schools and teachers across the country have been shortlisted in this year’s Tes Schools Awards. The Tes Schools Awards, which have been dubbed the ‘Oscars of education’, is a prestigious awards programme which celebrates the best of education across the UK. It has now been revealed that Frank Field Education Trust and The Ellesmere Port C of E College has been shortlisted in the category of The Tim Brighouse Community Engagement Initiative of the Year award.

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The Rt Hon. The Lord Field of Birkenhead: 1942 – 2024
The Rt Hon. The Lord Field of Birkenhead: 1942 – 2024

It is with huge sadness that we heard about Frank’s passing. 

Throughout his impressive career, Frank gave his life to improving the lives of those around him. His unwavering commitment to social justice not only defined his decades of public service, but is also the foundation stone for so many causes and organisations he was involved in.

That is why, as the founder of Frank Field Education Trust, our mentor and, above all, our friend, he had such a profound impact on our multi-academy trust and all those who are connected to our schools. Frank’s focus on ensuring that all young people have access to the same educational opportunities is at the heart of everything we do. Chris Hampshire Chair of The Frank Field Education Trust, stated that he will do all he can to ensure Frank’s vision and legacy lives on.

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Handforth Grange achieves United Against Bullying GOLD School status
Handforth Grange achieves United Against Bullying GOLD School status

Handforth Grange has been awarded the United Against Bullying GOLD School status by the Anti-Bullying Alliance, marking a significant achievement in their commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all pupils. The United Against Bullying programme aims to support schools in their efforts to combat bullying and enhance the overall well-being of all pupils.

Handforth Grange’s attainment of the United Against Bullying GOLD School status underscores their dedication to creating a nurturing and inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued and protected. Achieving this recognition is no small feat, as it requires a concerted effort and commitment from the entire school community.

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Handforth Grange Primary School celebrates as it receives Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ rating
Handforth Grange Primary School celebrates as it receives Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ rating

Handforth Grange Primary School (HGPS) was recently inspected by Ofsted and has been graded OUTSTANDING after its first Ofsted inspection since joining the Frank Field Education Trust.

The school was rated as ‘outstanding’ in all five key judgement areas, which include: The Quality of Education, Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development, Leadership & Management and Early Years provision.

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Vacancies to sit on the Birches Head Academy Governing Body
Vacancies to sit on the Birches Head Academy Governing Body

At Birches Head Academy, we have provision for two parent governors and there is currently a vacancy as one of our parent governors will sadly reach the end of his term this summer.

No special qualifications are needed, and the most important thing is to have a keen interest in the school and be prepared to play an active part in the local governing board’s work. Training is available for all local governors and the Trust has an expectation that those new to being a local governing board member undertake induction and safeguarding training.

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