Keith Hollins is the Executive Principal of four high schools in North Staffordshire: The Cheadle Academy; Westwood College; Leek High School; and Churnet View Middle School. In addition, and in recognition of Keith’s distinguished career, he is also a National Leader of Education, with Westwood College having been designated as a National Support School.
Born and educated in Stoke-on-Trent, Keith graduated from the London School of Economics in Geography and achieved a PGCE at the University of London’s Institute of Education in 1976. He worked with youngsters in Inner London, before teaching in secondary schools in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Moorlands.
Most recently, Keith’s leadership, skill and passion have been crucial throughout a phase of radical improvement within local schools. He created the Leek Federation involving three high schools, before supporting them to become a Co-operative Learning Trust, and was architect of the Leek Education Partnership of 20 schools, serving as Chair for a number of years. He also led the conversion of The Cheadle Academy to academy status in 2011.
Keith’s performance was noted by Ofsted, "The outstanding strategic leadership of the Executive Head Teacher has brought about positive change."
Keith has also served on numerous steering groups including Building Schools for the Future, the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust, the Innovation Unit, the National College for Teaching and Leadership and the Local Children’s Trust. He is presently a Consultant Head Teacher for Staffordshire Local Authority and for Entrust, and is a member of the Entrust Business Advisory Group.
As a member of Staffordshire University’s School of Education Steering Group, Keith commented, "I am delighted to be involved with Staffordshire University. I see them as one of the primary drivers in our mission to develop the local economy and educational infrastructure that our sub-region so badly needs, in order to improve the life chances of local people."
The award of Honorary Doctor of the University is bestowed upon Keith in recognition of his considerable services to education. He has touched the lives and learning experiences of thousands of young people across North Staffordshire. It also recognises the role Keith has played in taking four local high schools out of special measures.