Chief Executive Officer Tenterden Schools Trust

PERIDOT PARTNERS • Full-time • Ashford, United Kingdom • 3d ago

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.

Tenterden Schools Trust is seeking a dynamic and inspirational Chief Executive Officer to lead a network of high-performing, non-selective academies. The successful candidate will bring a strategic vision and a proven track record in education leadership, ensuring that the Trust delivers exceptional opportunities for all students. As CEO, you will drive the Trust's educational vision, working closely with the Board, Governors, and senior leadership teams to set clear strategic goals and foster a culture of high performance and accountability. You will lead school improvement initiatives, promote excellence in teaching and learning, and ensure efficient management of financial and operational resources. Building strong relationships with local and national stakeholders, the CEO will represent the Trust's values and vision, ensuring compliance with all statutory requirements and upholding the ethos of our church schools. A forward-thinking leader with a commitment to collaborative working, the CEO will inspire and motivate staff, securing long-term success for the Trust.

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.

We have six schools and two nurseries: Homewood School & Sixth Form Centre, Tenterden Church of England Junior School, St Michael's Church of England Primary School, St Michael's CE Pre-School, John Mayne CE Primary School, Tenterden Infant School, and Rolvenden Primary School, Home Farm Nursery and St Michaels Pre-School. These nurseries are under a subsidiary company but form a significant aspect of our ethos to educate children from 0-19. We are soon to be joined by a third nursery.

We are proud that all of our inspected schools and nurseries are judged as OFSTED 'Good'. Furthermore, our church of England schools, Tenterden CE Junior and John Mayne CE Primary can demonstrate Good SIAMS grading and St Michael's CE Primary can celebrate an 'Excellent' SIAMS grading.

Together, we support 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.

We are not just educators but community builders. Our Trust engages actively with parents, local organisations, and businesses, fostering partnerships that enrich learning and open new opportunities for students.

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.

The CEO will work closely with the Board, Headteachers, and the central team to create a unified vision for the Trust's future, ensuring that all stakeholders are supported and valued. A key focus for the new CEO will be school improvement, particularly in the primary schools where a more consistent approach is needed. Financial stability and growth are priorities, with a focus on generating surpluses and strengthening reserves.

In this role, the CEO will lead the development of a clear strategy for the Trust's growth and success. They will provide leadership to ensure high education standards across all schools, with a focus on primary school improvement. The CEO will also manage the Trust's financial resources, improve financial planning, and ensure long-term sustainability. Addressing workforce culture challenges and improving trust-wide collaboration will be central to the CEO's work. The CEO will also oversee compliance and governance, working closely with the Board to ensure effective decision-making.

Who we are looking for.

We are looking for a visionary leader to drive transformative change and guide the Tenterden Schools Trust through an initial period of consolidation, which will allow the Trust realise its potential for growth. 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 strategic vision to life, acting as an ambassador who inspires and motivates staff and stakeholders. The CEO 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 staff and school communities 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. The CEO 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 an 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. The CEO 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.