News

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Yola Wilkins as the new Business Director at Bourne Education Trust. Yola brings with her a wealth of experience and a profound commitment to educational administration, making her an exceptional addition to our team.

As the Business Director, Yola will lead the compliance, governance and legal areas of the Trust, as well as overseeing its marketing and growth initiatives, ensuring that the organisation operates ethically and in the best interests of its community.

Yola has worked within the business function at BET for almost ten years, successfully completing the Certificate of School Business Management in December 2014. She has held various leadership roles, including working as a business manager in several primary schools, and most recently as the Head of Business Development. In this capacity, she has led cross-operational projects such as the conversion of schools into the Trust and the development of Hopescourt School, BET's new all-through specialist free school opening in September 2024.

Beyond her core responsibilities, Yola has been a member of the BET Data Protection Team since 2018 and has extensive experience in governance, both from previous roles as a governance professional and through her collaborative work with local governors across various school settings. She has also led significant change management initiatives, including financial modelling and external communications strategies.

Before joining the Trust, Yola spent over thirteen years in the civil service, working in national positions and in a range of leadership roles within the South East. She worked closely with local authorities, specialising in education policy and implementation, providing her with a valuable perspective on the broader educational landscape.

In expressing her approach, Yola stated, "I am thrilled to be taking up this new and exciting opportunity and I'm looking forward to bringing my business experience both from within BET and the wider public sector to make an effective and proactive contribution to the Trust's further growth and success. I feel very privileged to be able to continue to work with such a diverse community of schools and with colleagues across the organisation who share a real passion and commitment to supporting our young people to succeed."

In welcoming Yola to her new role, Alex Russell, BET CEO, shared, "We are thrilled to have Yola as our new Business Director. Her experience and dedication to fostering a positive and inclusive educational environment align perfectly with our mission at BET and I look forward to witnessing her many future successes."