At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant Multi-Academy Trust and drive educational excellence.
- Company: Ambition Education Trust, committed to improving education for thousands of pupils.
- Benefits: Competitive salary package and the chance to shape future leaders.
- Other info: Join a collaborative culture with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education and inspire the next generation.
- Qualifications: Significant senior leadership experience and a passion for inclusive education.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
We are seeking an exceptional and inspirational Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead our vibrant, ambitious and successful Multi-Academy Trust. This is a defining opportunity to lead the whole Trust strategy for the Ambition Education Trust (AET), driving sustainable improvement, innovation and leadership development at scale. In this role you will shape the future of our schools and the quality of education for thousands of pupils.
The Opportunity
As our new CEO, you will implement the agreed strategic direction as determined by the Trust Board into impactful reality, ensuring exceptional educational outcomes, sustainable growth, and robust financial health. You will oversee all aspects of the Trust's performance, including educational standards, people leadership, financial management, and external partnerships. This is a unique opportunity to lead Trust-wide school improvement across both primary and secondary phases, while shaping and refining the Trust's overarching approach to teaching, curriculum innovation, and inclusion.
The Role
The AET CEO is responsible for the education of all the young people in the Trust's academies. Leading our dedicated executive team, you will ensure sustainable success for all schools, providing high-level strategic leadership and management across all Trust activities to achieve high-quality education through efficient use of resources and staff. As a system leader, the CEO, together with stakeholders and partners, will enable civic and moral responsibilities, and, as the Accounting Officer, ensure all statutory, financial, and legal requirements are met.
The role encompasses:
- Strategic Governance & Ethical Leadership: Securing robust oversight, legal accountability, educational excellence, and an inspirational, safeguarding-first culture.
- High Quality Inclusive Education: Driving ambitious curriculum design, inclusive excellence, exemplary teaching standards, targeted support, and statutory compliance.
- Finance, Risk & Compliance: Upholding rigorous financial accountability, strategic budgeting, risk mitigation, and the long-term sustainability of the Trust.
- Communications & Reputational Leadership: Enhancing the Trust's profile through proactive community engagement, board advisory, and transparent executive reporting.
- People & Culture: Fostering a collaborative workforce, pioneering talent management, championing professional development, and embedding inclusive staff practices.
- Public Benefit & Civic Duty: Acting as an ambassadorial leader who builds collaborative external partnerships and champions ethical standards within the wider education landscape.
- Strategic Growth: Leading managed growth, partnership building, academy conversions, and successful project oversight.
The Person
We are seeking a leader with credibility, expertise and ambition who is passionate about improving education at scale. You will likely bring:
- Significant senior leadership experience within schools or a multi-academy trust.
- A proven track record of leading successful school improvement strategies and raising standards.
- Experience working collaboratively across multiple schools or phases.
- The ability to inspire, mentor and develop current and aspiring school leaders.
- A deep commitment to inclusion, equity and improving outcomes for all pupils.
We are committed to ensuring that everyone who applies receives fair treatment and we encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of age, disability, race, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership and caring status. We expect all staff to demonstrate a commitment to advancing equality of opportunity and fostering good relations.
Chief Executive Officer (based at Trust Hub in Garden Fields JMI School) in St Albans employer: Ambition Education Trust
At Ambition Education Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values innovation, collaboration, and professional growth. Located at the Trust Hub in Garden Fields JMI School, our vibrant work culture fosters a commitment to educational excellence and inclusivity, providing ample opportunities for leadership development and community engagement. Join us in shaping the future of education for thousands of pupils while enjoying a competitive salary package and the chance to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer (based at Trust Hub in Garden Fields JMI School) in St Albans
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t underestimate the power of personal connections when it comes to landing that CEO role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Trust's values and recent initiatives. We want to see you articulate how your vision aligns with their goals. Practise answering common leadership questions and be ready to showcase your strategic thinking.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When discussing your experience, focus on specific examples of how you've driven school improvement and fostered inclusive education. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate leaders who are ready to make a difference in education.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer (based at Trust Hub in Garden Fields JMI School) in St Albans
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience:Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who we are at StudySmarter. Tailor your application to reflect our values and mission. Show us how your experience aligns with the role of CEO and how you can drive our Trust's vision forward.
Be Authentic:We want to hear your unique voice! Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for education and leadership, and tell us why you’re excited about this opportunity to lead our Multi-Academy Trust.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase your significant senior leadership experience and any successful school improvement strategies you've led. We’re looking for concrete examples that demonstrate your ability to inspire and develop leaders within the educational landscape.
Follow Our Application Process:To make things easier for both of us, apply directly through our website. This ensures your application reaches the right people and allows us to process it efficiently. Plus, it’s a great way to show your enthusiasm for joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ambition Education Trust
✨Know the Trust Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the Ambition Education Trust's mission, values, and recent initiatives. Understanding their strategic direction will help you align your vision with theirs and demonstrate your commitment to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership philosophy and how it aligns with the Trust's culture. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams, driven school improvement, and fostered collaboration across multiple schools.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific challenges, such as improving educational standards or managing financial risks. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly and effectively.
✨Engage with Stakeholder Perspectives
Demonstrate your understanding of the importance of community engagement and external partnerships. Be ready to discuss how you would enhance the Trust's profile and build relationships with stakeholders to support educational outcomes.
