New executive headteacher says football management career helps him build strong teams in education

By Viva PR

14 May 2025

Website
Neil Reynolds - TAS.jpeg.jpg

A new executive headteacher says his experience in football management will guide him as he takes the helm of eight Lancashire schools.  

The Alternative School Trust (TAS), a respected network of eight independent specialist schools, has announced the appointment of Neil Reynolds as its new executive headteacher.  

Neil brings with him more than 25 years of experience in education, as well as transferable skills from his time as a football manager.

He has held senior leadership roles at institutions including Preston College, Fulwood High School and South Shore Academy in Blackpool, while his football career includes a spell managing FC United of Manchester, the breakaway club formed by Manchester United fans, and his current role managing Warrington Rylands.  

He cites his experience in sport as a valuable skill that has helped him to build strong, united teams in education that work together to achieve shared goals.  

Neil said: “Having led teams on and off the pitch, I’ve seen first-hand how strong leadership and trust can bring people together to achieve great things. I’m incredibly proud to be part of a team leading such a transformative organisation as TAS.

“We provide the kind of responsive, human-centred education that so many of our pupils have missed out on.  

“My aim as executive head is to continue strengthening the trust’s cohesion and strategic focus, while ensuring each campus retains its unique character and close ties to the communities we serve." 

Known for its pioneering relationship-led and hybrid educational model, TAS offers bespoke support for pupils with social, emotional, and mental health needs, many of which hold Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and have been excluded from mainstream education. 

Neil will play a strategic role within TAS while being actively involved in the day-to-day life of each school. 

He will also be part of a wider strategy to raise the visibility of TAS and forge stronger partnerships across Lancashire and beyond. 

Kirsty-Anne Pugh, founder of The Alternative School Trust, said Neil’s appointment came as TAS continued to grow and strengthen its senior leadership team.  

She said: “Neil’s experience, calm leadership style, and deep understanding of the young people we work with make him a natural fit. He knows that this work is about more than just education, it’s about helping pupils feel safe, valued, and supported.  

“Neil’s already shown that he can turn ideas into real, positive change, and we’re excited to keep building on that together.” 

TAS offers an array of innovative provisions that extend beyond the classroom. From narrowboat-based learning and mobile education buses to virtual tutoring and therapeutic interventions, the trust remains at the forefront of alternative education. 

Neil added: “Too many pupils are written off by systems not designed for their needs. TAS shows what’s possible when we listen, adapt and invest in young people as individuals. We’re not just helping students catch up, we’re helping them reimagine what success can look like.” 

Enjoyed this? Read more from Viva PR

Latest news

1

Basil's in the pink Basil Newby

Basil's in the pink

30 Sep 2025

2

Business School recruits three industry leaders to embed employer led innovation into courses University of Lancashire recruit business leaders Rob Binns, Miranda Barker and Marcello Trovati new

Business School recruits three industry leaders to embed employer led innovation into courses

30 Sep 2025

3

Third letting at Frontier Burnley is completed Frontier Park in Burnley CRC Evans

Third letting at Frontier Burnley is completed

30 Sep 2025

4

PM+M becomes a Certified B Corporation Helen Clayton PM+M

PM+M becomes a Certified B Corporation

30 Sep 2025

5

Forsyth and Steele welcomes Alex Forsyth as managing director in its 40th year Alex and Ian Forsyth

Forsyth and Steele welcomes Alex Forsyth as managing director in its 40th year

30 Sep 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

Help to grow management course
Help to grow - barriers to growth.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Sep 2025 - 16 Dec 2025

Help to grow management course

Preston Campus , Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 15:00

Chamber Breakfast Networking – October
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
07 Oct 2025 - 07 Oct 2025

Chamber Breakfast Networking – October

Soul Bowl, Morecambe, LA4 4BU

08:00 - 10:00

The Future of Work: Tech, teams and thriving in a changing world
Oct PTC.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
07 Oct 2025 - 07 Oct 2025

The Future of Work: Tech, teams and thriving in a changing world

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

18:00 - 19:30

HR Recharge: Empowering today’s workforce, transforming tomorrow’s workplace
Muted Blue (4).png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
08 Oct 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

HR Recharge: Empowering today’s workforce, transforming tomorrow’s workplace

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:30

Empowering Franchise Growth in the North West
Empowering Franchise Growth in the North West event
LBV Hub Seminars
09 Oct 2025 - 09 Oct 2025

Empowering Franchise Growth in the North West

Forbes Solicitors, Sceptre Way, Walton Summit Centre, PR5 6AW, PR6 6AW

08:00 - 10:00

Empowering franchise growth in the North West
TFA Event - Empowering Franchise Growth.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
09 Oct 2025 - 09 Oct 2025

Empowering franchise growth in the North West

Forbes Solicitors Sceptre Way Walton Summit Centre , Preston, PR5 6AW

08:00 - 10:00

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – Oct 10th
Ai 10.10.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
10 Oct 2025 - 10 Oct 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – Oct 10th

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 12:00

The New Employee Rights Landscape: Day One Compliance Essentials
EventBrite NORi - 15th Oct 2025 Webinar.png.png
LBV Hub Webinar
15 Oct 2025 - 15 Oct 2025

The New Employee Rights Landscape: Day One Compliance Essentials

Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Teams, PR253XH

13:30 - 15:00

Unlocking major project opportunities in the North West
Lancs-cham-logo.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
15 Oct 2025 - 15 Oct 2025

Unlocking major project opportunities in the North West

Strathmore Hotel, Morecambe, LA4 5AP

08:00 - 10:00

October Freelancer Meet-Up
LBV Hub Networking
16 Oct 2025 - 16 Oct 2025

October Freelancer Meet-Up

Society1, Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV124 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin