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Radio 4,25 Sep 2024,14 mins

Episode 3 - Needs Improvement

Superhead

Available for over a year

John Dickens has been investigating Trevor Averre-Beeson for the best part of a decade. Averre-Beeson was once one of the most prominent examples of the generation of “Superheads” that Tony Blair and Michael Gove backed in turn to help transform failing schools in Britain. He built an education empire around a large academy trust, Lilac Sky. But in 2016, that empire suddenly and rapidly collapsed, sparking a scandal that sent shockwaves through the world of education. John Dickens explores the inside story behind the rise and fall of one of Britain’s most charismatic educators, and investigates whether the rapid growth - and precipitous collapse - of Lilac Sky exposes weaknesses in regulation that the government has failed to fully reckon with. In Episode 3, John hears how Lilac Sky took over schools in Kent and raised questions from local campaigners. Producers: Robert Nicholson and Charlie Towler Sound Design: Tom Brignell Executive Producer: David Prest A Whistledown production for ѿý Radio 4

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