Listen to this story Members can listen to an AI-generated audio version of this article. 1.0x Audio narration uses an AI-generated voice. 0:00 0:00 Become a member to listen to this article Subscribe A former academy trust boss has been appointed to run a major Abu Dhabi-owned private special school company. Julian Drinkall is now group chief executive officer at the Witherslack Group, which runs more than 30 independent SEND schools. The firm, which also runs children’s homes, boosted profits by nearly 30 per cent in 2023-24 to over £44 million amid “strong demand” for places. Drinkall previously led GLF Schools, before leaving suddenly after 18 months in the job last year. Schools Week revealed how staff were told that “by mutual agreement” Drinkall would be stepping down with immediate effect. No further detail was provided. Before that he had a brief spell as general manager at Aga Khan Schools, the educational arm of the Aga Khan Development Network which works to improve the welfare and prospects of people in the developing world. He also ran Lift Schools until 2021, which was then known as Academies Enterprise Trust. Drinkall has experience in the independent school sector, having led Alpha Plus Group for two years. ‘Demand continues to grow’ As part of its SEND reforms, the government is eyeing new powers over independent special schools as council spend on placements soar to over £2 billion a year. Mubadala Capital, a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund Mubadala Investment Company, has a majority stake in Witherslack Group, with two private equity investors holding minority shares. A Witherslack Group spokesperson said Drinkall “brings extensive leadership experience across educational organisations, with a strong track record of delivering positive outcomes for children and young people. “His passion for holistic education and preparing young people for fulfilling, independent lives is strongly aligned with Witherslack Group’s core mission and values.” They added: “As demand for specialist SEND education continues to grow, Julian’s experience of leading organisations through periods of growth and transformation will be invaluable as Witherslack Group continues to support more children and young people with complex special educational needs. “The group looks forward to working with Julian to further enhance outcomes for young people and expand access to its sector-leading education and care.” Richard Wilkins has been appointed as its UK chief executive officer. He has worked at the group for 39 years, most recently as chief operating officer. The spokesperson said: “Together, these appointments strengthen our ability to support more young people while safeguarding the values and quality that define Witherslack Group.”