Acumen has worked at individual academy and diocesan levels managing academy conversions and post-opening support since 2008. Overseeing the feasibility and implementation process in the successful creation and opening of over 18 academies across 6 dioceses, 2 free schools and 1 University Technical College to date, and brokered service level agreements, completed successful funding applications and advised on strategic planning and development opportunities.

Andrew Martin, Acumen Director, has worked with colleagues to establish a number of stand-alone academies, and more recently an umbrella and multi academy trust. He has been required to interpret and present a range of complex legal systems and processes to audiences including Bishops, Diocesan Secretaries, MAT boards Local Governing Bodies, Chairs of Governors,’ DDEs and the DfE. Andrew's experience working for NCSL has given him both a national and regional perspective which gives a broader vision and bigger picture thinking. Andrew has created a Diocesan MAT project development plan, it is a working model mapping out a system for development which can be tailored to individual diocesan situations.

"Acumen was established to support school, and particularly church schools and dioceses, in a growing age of uncertainty. our aim is to provide guidance and, bespoke support with a professional approach."

Andrew Martin, Acumen Director