Chief Executive Officer

Following the retirement of our Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Reeves, Tenterden Schools Trust (TST) seeks a dynamic new CEO to drive the trust in its next phase of development.

Location: Tenterden, Kent

Salary: £130,000 – £140,000

Closing date: 9 a.m. Tuesday 7th January

Who we are

We believe education transforms lives. Established to bring together a family of schools across Tenterden and the surrounding areas.

We are committed to:

• Delivering the highest standards of teaching across all our schools.
• Creating rich learning environments where individual talents are discovered and nurtured.
• Building an interconnected community of learners and professionals that extends beyond the classroom.

Our Trust encompasses six schools and two nurseries, supporting over 2,500 children across a diverse range of ages and abilities, offering a seamless educational journey from early years to sixth form.

What sets us apart is our collaborative ethos. By working together as a Trust, we share expertise, resources, and innovative ideas, ensuring every school benefits from collective strength while retaining its unique identity. From research informed teaching methods to a comprehensive pastoral care system, our approach ensures every student feels supported, challenged, and inspired.

About the role

Following the retirement of our CEO, Stuart Reeves, we are now seeking a Chief Executive Officer to lead the Trust through an important phase of its development. With a strong governance structure already in place, the role presents the opportunity to focus on the next stage of growth, ensuring that all schools within the Trust are positioned to achieve their potential. Working with the Board the CEO will manage the strategic direction of the Trust, driving improvements in educational standards, fostering a positive culture across the workforce, and ensuring effective management of finances and compliance.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for a visionary leader to drive transformative change and guide the Tenterden Schools Trust through a dynamic period of growth and consolidation. The ideal candidate for the Chief Executive Officer role at Tenterden Schools Trust will be an inspirational and strategic leader who will champion the Trust’s vision of creating high-performing, non-selective academies that offer exceptional opportunities for all students. They will possess a strong understanding of the education sector, particularly within a multi-academy trust environment, and have the ability to lead a diverse group of schools while maintaining a clear focus on continuous improvement and growth. The CEO will be a proven leader with a track record of success in education, capable of managing the complexities of a growing Trust while upholding high standards of ethical leadership.

The CEO will be responsible for bringing the Trust’s vision to life, acting as an ambassador who inspires and motivates staff and stakeholders. They will work closely with the Board of Directors, Local Governing Bodies and senior leadership teams within the schools to define clear strategic objectives and lead their delivery. The CEO must be able to create a clear and coherent narrative that aligns all stakeholders with the Trust’s vision and values. Building strong, collaborative relationships is essential, by fostering effective teamwork and a culture rooted in mutual respect. A key focus will be on empowering staff to thrive both professionally and personally by providing meaningful development and training opportunities that support their growth and success.

Fostering a culture of accountability where staff are responsible for ensuring high levels of student performance and attainment is essential. The CEO will lead school improvement initiatives across the Trust, ensuring that all schools meet their educational objectives. They will promote excellence in teaching and learning, ensuring that each academy delivers a challenging and inclusive curriculum and that all students are supported in reaching their full potential.

Working closely with the Chief Finance and Operations Officer (CFOO), the CEO will maximise financial resources, seek new funding opportunities, and ensure that the Trust operates efficiently and remains compliant with all relevant regulations.

In addition to overseeing the educational outcomes of the Trust, the CEO will manage key operational aspects, including safeguarding, compliance with statutory requirements, and ensuring that the distinctive Christian character of the Trust’s church schools are championed and upheld. They will take responsibility for the performance management of senior leaders and staff, ensuring that the Trust’s organisational structures are fit for purpose and capable of supporting continuous improvement. This includes overseeing staff development, evaluating the performance of the Trust, and making sure the schools meet high standards of educational provision.

The CEO will also be responsible for promoting the Trust within the local community and beyond, strengthening relationships with educational partners, local authorities, and other stakeholders. They will represent the Trust regionally and nationally, playing a key role in its growth and public image.

The successful candidate will be a forward-thinking leader and effective problem-solver capable of navigating complex challenges and leading through change while remaining focused on the long-term success and sustainability of the Trust. They will be a compassionate leader who prioritises the whole child through the delivery of exceptional educational outcomes for all students, within a supportive and inclusive environment.

Peridot Partners and Tenterden Schools Trust are, together, committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.

Please click ‘Apply Now’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the job description and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Tuesday 7th January 2024.