The MacIntyre Group welcomes Trystan Williams as CEO at MacIntyre Academies Trust and Group Director for Education and Children's Services at MacIntyre
MacIntyre is delighted to welcome Trystan Williams as MacIntyre Academies CEO / Group Director for Education and Children's Services for MacIntyre.
We asked Trystan to introduce himself:
Can you tell us about your previous experience?
I have dedicated nearly three decades to transforming education, with a particular passion for empowering young people with complex needs to achieve more than they ever thought possible.
Before joining MacIntyre, I served as Executive Leader at E-ACT and Deputy Chief Executive Officer in a MAT in Bristol where I led multi-site, all-through academies, both special and mainstream, providing inclusive, multi-disciplinary education and care. One of my proudest achievements was opening a Specialist Free School in 2016 that grew to 200% beyond its pre-opening maximum number and recently made the Top 3 for the World's Best School Prize for Overcoming Adversity 2024.
Throughout my 22-year leadership journey, I've fostered environments where every child can thrive, whether in special education, mainstream settings, or alternative provision. I've had the privilege of working with two Secretaries of State for Education and serving on the National Steering Group for Academy Converters, helping to shape SEND policy at the highest levels.
Perhaps most meaningful to me has been leading life-changing expeditions featured in BBC/Sky Sports documentaries – from "The Coldest Classroom on Earth" to "The Highest Classroom on Earth" – where children in care and special schools partnered with elite athletes and special forces personnel to achieve what many thought impossible.
What drew me to MacIntyre was its unwavering commitment to ensuring that all young people have confidence and belief in their potential. I've seen first-hand how transformative education must be built on moral purpose, collaborative work, and innovative practices. I share MacIntyre's vision of creating connections that prepare young people for successful adult lives in their communities. I am honoured to join the MacIntyre family and excited about the journey ahead.
What plans do you have in your new role?
I'm eager to build upon the tremendous foundation that's already been established at MacIntyre. My initial focus will be on listening and learning – understanding the strengths of our provision and identifying opportunities to enhance our support for young people across all our settings.
My experience has taught me that collaboration is key to transformation. I plan to foster strong partnerships across organisational boundaries, similar to my work with the South Bristol Cradle-to-Career Partnership, which created seamless support pipelines for children in areas of high deprivation.
Long-term, I aim to ensure MacIntyre Academies Trust and MacIntyre continue to be at the forefront of innovative, person-centred education. I'll bring my experience in strategic growth, curriculum-led financial planning, and quality assurance to help build sustainable, high-performing teams across all our settings.
Above all, I'm committed to upholding our shared values of compassion, ambition and partnership. Every decision we make will be centred on the rights and aspirations of the children and young people we serve. Together, we'll create environments where students feel safe, valued, and empowered to achieve outcomes beyond expectations.
I believe that equity of provision is a fundamental right for every child, and I'm dedicated to ensuring this is delivered authentically, rigorously, and within a sustainable framework across the MacIntyre Academies Trust and the charity.
I look forward to meeting everyone in the MacIntyre family and embarking on this exciting journey together.
Postscript
Postscript from the editor: we were delighted that Trystan was recognised at the recent Education Resources Award for Leadership in Education when in his previous role at E-ACT Venturers’ Academy. Congratulations!
