AN education trust that oversees schools in Mid Cornwall has appointed a new leader.

The Cornwall Education Learning Trust (CELT) has recruited Dan Morrow as the trust lead.

Dan, who works as the trust leader of Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust since 2021, will be taking over the role from Lisa Mannall following her retirement.

The Cornwall Education Learning Trust is responsible for many schools in the area including Newquay Tretherras, Newquay Primary Academy, Newquay Junior Academy, Penrice Academy, Poltair School, St Mewan CP School, Mount Charles School, Brannel School, Carclaze CP School, Mevagissey Primary School, Fowey Primary School and Bodmin College.

Gemma Harries, the head of school at Newquay Tretherras, in a letter to parents, said: “I wanted to provide an update from the trust ollowing the news shared earlier this year, in regard to Lisa Mannall’s retirement at Christmas as CELT’s trust lead.

“Lisa has provided superb leadership, and we’d like to thank her once again for all her dedication and commitment to driving forward CELT’s journey of growth, improvement and financial stability. I know you will join me in sharing our appreciation for the contribution she has made, and we wish Lisa the very best for a happy retirement.

“Since then, CELT Trustees have been engaged in an extensive recruitment process for her replacement. It was important for us to ensure her successor brought not only the experience, but the ethos which everyone at CELT values – particularly in maximising the opportunities for every student across the trust.

“I am delighted to announce that our new trust lead will be Dan Morrow. Dan is currently CEO and trust leader of Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust, where he has been since 2021, providing strong and inspirational leadership, guiding the trust through the aftermath of the pandemic, to new strengths and it has continued to develop over recent years.

“Dan has led many of Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust’s schools on impressive improvement journeys, striving to deliver excellent standards of education and care to its students – evident in its impressive Ofsted results post-pandemic.

“Amongst his many achievements, he has exemplified Dartmoor Multi Academy Trust’s mission to act as intentional civic leaders.

“This has included working with local communities and championing rural schools at a national level, calling for greater support and funding to tackle issues such as the mental health crisis, food poverty and many more.

“We are looking forward to him bringing the same passion and energy to his role as trust lead at CELT, where he will continue to embed this crucial focus on community at the heart of CELT and foster a wide sense of community and connection throughout the entire south-west.

“Dan will take up the post from January 2025 but will work closely with Lisa in the interim to ensure a smooth transfer during the autumn term. Please be assured that this change will not impact your child’s education or daily school life, and your school leaders and teachers will very much continue in their roles.

“We are so pleased to have secured Dan as our new leader and look forward to the next chapter in our trust’s story. We are excited to see CELT continue to reach new heights and achieve exceptional outcomes for all students, staff and local communities - building on the firm foundations Lisa has put in place.”