Lift Schools appoints Alastair Da Costa CBE as chair of trustees

Lift Schools has appointed Alastair Da Costa CBE as its new chair of trustees. Da Costa, a solicitor by profession, brings a “wealth” of experience as a chair, board member and senior executive in the legal and professional services, education, and not-for-profit sectors. He is currently the chair and pro-chancellor at the University of Leeds, and was recently chair of Capital City College Group, one of the largest further education groups in the country. Between 2018-2021 he also served as a UK social mobility commissioner with responsibility for further education and adult skills. Da Costa was awarded a CBE for his services to further education in the 2025 New Year Honours List. He succeeds David Hall CBE, who has served as Lift School's chair of trustees for the past six years. During his tenure, Hall has overseen a period of consolidation and “substantial improvement” across the trust. Becks Boomer-Clark, CEO of Lift Schools, said: “We are all very grateful to David for his generous commitment and leadership. His passion for education and unwavering commitment to our students and staff over the last six years has been immense.” David Hall CBE added: “It has been a privilege to serve as chair of trustees over the past six years. I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together across the trust. I remain deeply grateful to our dedicated staff, trustees, and of course our pupils and school communities. As I step down, I do so with confidence in Lift’s continued growth and success.” Alastair Da Costa CBE said: “I am honoured to take on the role of chair of trustees at such an exciting time for Lift Schools. I am looking forward to working closely with the board, the leadership team, and getting to know pupils and staff from across our school communities.” Alongside Da Costa’s appointment, the trust thanked Sir David Carter for his “invaluable support” as chair of the education committee since September 2023. Following his decision to retire at the end of this academic year, the trust announced that Roy Blatchford CBE will take on the role of chair of the education committee from September 2025. Blatchford is a British educator, author, and consultant with over four decades of experience in the education sector. His national leadership included serving as one of Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Schools (HMI) in England, where he held responsibilities for school improvement and the inspection of outstanding schools.

Lift Schools appoints Alastair Da Costa CBE as chair of trustees

He is currently the chair and pro-chancellor at the University of Leeds, and was recently chair of Capital City College Group

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