Education Stalwart Joins University of Worcester as Independent Governor

Keith Sorrell, Chief Executive of Windsor Academy Trust, has been appointed as an independent governor at the University of Worcester.

Keith became full time CEO in 2016 having previously served the dual role of CEO and Headteacher at Windsor High School and Sixth Form since 2011.

He started his teaching career in Staffordshire and Birmingham before being appointed as Headteacher at Windsor High School in 1999. Keith achieved rapid success at the school, quickly moving it to an Ofsted Outstanding school and launching its highly successful sixth form in 2010. 

Keith, whose son is a graduate of the University of Worcester, and who has supported the recruitment of Worcester teaching graduates into his schools over many years, said he was delighted to become a Governor.

“I have been involved with education all my life and have recently moved to live in Worcester itself,” he said. “I have followed the progress and growth of the University throughout my time as a Headteacher and a CEO and have been hugely impressed not only by what has been achieved but the clear moral imperative that has underpinned this.”

Keith said he was looking forward to “being able to support the work of the University and in joining the team to play a part in the fulfilment of its strategic aims”.

“I hope that my experience and expertise will be of benefit to the Board in the next four years,” he said. “In addition, I am aware of the importance of the statutory governance responsibilities and expect to be able to add to the collective efforts in ensuring these are delivered.”

Keith added: “Universities play a key role in the local community not only as a substantial employer and contributor to jobs and opportunities but the level of social commitment and support I have seen from the University of Worcester is truly exceptional. At a national level Worcester already has a significant profile and is well respected. HE will have a number of challenges post Covid and needs to be agile enough to forge a new future. The nature of teaching, relationships with students and the development of new and modern facilities will be challenges across the sector. HE remains a prime factor in social mobility and a key factor in ensuring we have the necessary skills within our economy.”

Keith is a National Leader for Education and worked as a secondary headteacher consultant for the Department for Education between 2002 and 2005. During his consultancy for the DfE, Keith supported the high-profile workforce reform agenda and Every Child Matters projects.  Keith also served on the Association of School and College Leaders council for over 10 years and on the Public and Parliamentary Committee.

Keith gained a BEd from Loughborough University in Physical Education and an MA from University of Warwick in research policy and methodology. Alongside an extensive teaching career, Keith was an International hockey coach. He took the England Men's team to the 1994 World Cup and the European Championships, Wales Ladies 1986 to 91 and was a GB Olympic selector between 1994 and 1996. He also coached Cannock Hockey Club to national titles and European finals from 1999 to 2002.

Keith is one of a number of new independent Governors appointed at the University of Worcester recently.

John Bateman, Chair of Governors, said: “At Worcester, we have been delighted to have received a very large number of applications from individuals, representing a wide cross section of society. This is particularly positive at a time when many organisations and institutions are finding it difficult to recruit volunteers to governance positions. As a result, we have been able to appoint a number of new Governors who will bring both a wealth of relevant experience and passion for education to the Board.”