Chief Executive Officer, St Oscar Romero Catholic Academy Trust in London

Location: South London

Salary: In the region of £160,000

Contract: Full Time, permanent

AN EXCEPTIONAL CATHOLIC LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY

The Board of Directors of St Oscar Romero Catholic Academy Trust is seeking to appoint an inspirational and visionary Chief Executive Officer to lead our Trust into the next phase of its development, growth and mission. St Oscar Romero Catholic Academy Trust is entering a defining period in its history. With 16 schools currently serving communities across South London, the Trust will grow significantly over the next three to five years, expanding to approximately 35 schools while maintaining the highest standards of Catholic education, school improvement and operational excellence.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a flourishing Catholic Multi-Academy Trust in its sacred mission of evangelisation through education. Dedicated to forming young people in faith, wisdom and virtue, we seek a leader who will inspire our communities to encounter Christ, pursue academic excellence and live out the Gospel in service to others.

Rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Church and inspired by the witness of St Oscar Romero, our schools are communities of faith where every child is valued and nurtured with dignity. Guided by the principles of stewardship, compassion and solidarity, we seek to form young people who live their faith in action and become agents of positive change in society.

Working closely with the Board of Directors, diocesan leaders, clergy, school leaders and parish communities you will ensure that Christ remains at the heart of all we do. You will provide faithful and inspirational leadership, championing a culture of stewardship, service and excellence, enabling every member of our community to flourish and every child to grow in faith, knowledge and dignity.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a leader who is excited by growth, energised by complexity and motivated by mission. You may already be a successful CEO, Deputy CEO, Director of Education, Regional Director or Executive Headteacher with experience of leading large-scale organisational change. Above all, you will demonstrate a track record of bringing people together behind a compelling vision and delivering sustainable improvement at scale.

The successful candidate will understand that Catholic education is a ministry of the Church. They will foster communities characterised by compassion, solidarity and a commitment to the common good, ensuring that faith is lived authentically through action, service and witness.

You will understand that growth is not simply about numbers; it is about strengthening the mission of Catholic education, preserving culture, deepening faith and ensuring that every school that joins the Trust benefits from improved outcomes, enhanced support and a shared commitment to excellence rooted in Christ.

About You

• A practising Catholic whose faith is evident through their commitment to stewardship, compassion and service, and who is passionate about promoting the dignity of every individual and the mission of Catholic education.
• A leader who embodies Catholic Social Teaching and can inspire others to live their faith in action, fostering communities built on solidarity, justice and hope.
• An experienced senior leader with a proven track record of leading successful organisations through growth, change and transformation.
• An accomplished leader with a strong understanding of school improvement and educational excellence.
• A skilled relationship-builder who can work effectively with diocesan partners, clergy, school leaders, directors, staff, parents and wider stakeholders.
• A developer of people and teams, committed to creating a culture where both staff and pupils flourish academically, professionally and spiritually.
• Financially and commercially astute, with experience of managing significant resources and organisational complexity.
• An outstanding communicator who leads with integrity, resilience, humility and a strong sense of vocation.

Closing Date: 9am Friday 23rd October 2026

Interviews: Thursday 5th and Friday 6th November 2026

Join us in continuing Christ’s mission through Catholic education. Together, we will nurture communities founded on dignity, compassion and solidarity; exercise faithful stewardship of our resources; and inspire young people to live their faith.

Safeguarding Statement

The Archdiocese of Southwark and its schools and Trusts is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to satisfactory references, which will be sought prior to interview, an enhanced DBS check, medical check evidence of qualifications and verification of the right to work in the UK.