Former Chief Executive Andrea Arlidge
Futura Learning Partnership (Futura) is delighted to congratulate its former Chief Executive Andrea Arlidge, who has been awarded an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours list for services to education.
Andrea is recognised in the honours list as “Founder of Wellsway Multi Academy Trust and lately chief executive officer of Futura Learning Partnership” reflecting more than four decades of dedication to improving educational opportunities and outcomes for children and young people.
She led the trust from its formation in 2014 until her retirement in 2024, helping to establish one of the southwest’s largest and most successful multi-academy trusts. During her leadership Futura grew to serve thousands of children across early years, primary, secondary and specialist provision. She was previously recognised with a Pearson National Teaching Award for Lifetime Achievement.
Beginning her teaching career in 1983, Andrea went on to become highly respected headteacher, education leader and trust chief executive. Throughout her career, she championed inclusion, social improvement and the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to fill their potential.
Gary Schlick, chief executive, Futura said: “Andrea’s OBE is richly deserved and reflects 41 years of dedication to transforming the lives of children and young people. Her vision, determination and unwavering commitment to education have left a lasting legacy not only across the trust but across the wider education sector. On behalf of everyone at Futura, we offer her our warmest congratulations on this well-earned recognition.”
