Anthony Akaraonye

Anthony has more than 35 years’ experience working with local government, children’s services and communities in Liverpool. He qualified in social work at Oxford Polytechnic, now Oxford Brookes University, gaining a Certificate of Qualification in Social Work and a Diploma in Social Work Studies.

His career with Liverpool Social Services included roles as Race Equality Officer and Senior Manager of the Service Review Unit. In 1996, he was appointed Assistant Director and Head of Children’s Services. He led services spanning child protection, early years, family support, adoption, youth justice and provision for disabled children, with responsibility for a budget of more than £100 million. Anthony also contributed to strategic work with partners across education, health and policing.

In 2001, Anthony and his wife co-founded Auckland College. Their vision was to offer families a school where children feel safe, supported and known as individuals, while being encouraged to achieve high standards in their education. Anthony continues to bring his experience of children’s services and community leadership to the school’s governance and development.

Anthony also founded Pepperberry Day Nursery School in Wilmslow in 2011, extending his commitment to high-quality early years education and care.