大象传媒

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 鈥淪uperheads鈥� 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鈥檚 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 大象传媒 Radio 4