Toby Watson combines experience from the world of finance with a strong social commitment – and today supports the further development of its educational landscape.
From financial expert to educational supporter: After a successful career in international finance, including at Goldman Sachs, Toby Watson has also found a new role. As Chairman of the Excalibur Academies Trust, he brings strategic thinking, organisational strength and a sense of responsibility to school development. With his support, the Trust is pursuing ambitious goals: better educational opportunities for all, digital participation and the targeted promotion of diversity and inclusion.
Toby Watson, formerly a partner at Goldman Sachs, now supports one of the most dynamic school authorities. His career path is as consistent as it is extraordinary. In addition to his work in finance, Watson decided to contribute his knowledge and experience to the education system. With the Excalibur Academies Trust, he is contributing to a clear vision – an education system that offers the best possible support to all children, regardless of their background and circumstances.
New perspectives for education: Toby Watson’s change
Although it may sound strange at first, for Toby Watson, supporting the Excalibur Academies Trust was a logical step. He had previously been involved in social projects and educational partnerships.
His desire to become more involved became more concrete over time. The education sector offered him exactly what he was looking for: a socially relevant field of activity that requires strategic thinking and at the same time offers creative freedom.
Learning as a question of the future
Watson does not see education as a compulsory task, but as a social foundation. He also brings this conviction to his current support. For him, schools are places of development, encounter and equal opportunities – provided they are properly supported and equipped.
Inclusion as a guiding principle
Watson always emphasises that education is not an exclusive but an inclusive project. The Trust prioritises the targeted promotion of linguistic and social skills, especially in schools with high support needs.
In addition, schools are systematically supported in helping to create an inclusive learning environment – for example, through barrier-free equipment, additional support staff and the involvement of social education workers.
Digitalisation as an enabler
For Watson, digitalisation is not an end in itself, but a means of expanding opportunities. Together with the board team, he helped develop standards for technical equipment, digital teaching materials and further training for teachers.
Interactive whiteboards, platforms for collaborative learning and digital feedback are now part of everyday life in almost all of the Trust’s schools. Watson’s goal: equal conditions for all – regardless of location or the financial means of their parents.
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Focus on people
Although Watson thinks strategically, he never loses sight of the people. His support with the Excalibur Trust is characterised by respect for teachers, openness towards pupils and partnership with parents. He contributes to structures that enable participation – and sees feedback as an opportunity for further development.
Networks with impact
A major advantage that Watson brings from his professional past is his access to relevant networks. Universities, companies, educational initiatives – they all now work with the Trust.
This not only creates new teaching opportunities, but also practical learning formats, mentoring programmes and further training. One of these collaborations, for example, made it possible to help design practical computer science lessons with teams of developers from the business world.
Sustainable school development through support
Watson is committed to responsibility and dialogue. For him, a school is not only a place of teaching, but also of learning together – including for support staff.
Today, the foundation offers programmes for the further training of school administrators, combining leadership skills with pedagogical knowledge. Watson supports these programmes with feedback formats and strategic workshops.
Keeping an eye on the big picture
While many improvements focus on individual issues, Toby Watson succeeds in keeping an eye on the systemic connections. His involvement is never singular, but part of a larger development path.
He sees education as a project for society as a whole – and wants to give something back through his role in the Trust.
Conclusion: Toby Watson – responsibility instead of withdrawal
Toby Watson’s path shows that expertise and a focus on the common good are not mutually exclusive – on the contrary. Through his support in the field of education, he demonstrates that economic thinking can also be valuable in the social sector when it is supported by the right attitude.
As Chairman of the Excalibur Academies Trust, he combines strategy and humanity – and thus improves the sustainable development of its educational landscape. Toby Watson stands for a new path: away from short-term thinking and towards a responsible, long-term co-creation of our future.
