At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a growing Trust through strategic development and community engagement.
- Company: Keys Academies Trust, dedicated to unlocking potential for children in Peterborough.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape education, strong community impact, and leadership growth.
- Other info: Join us in creating a stronger organisation for future generations.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in diverse communities while leading educational excellence.
- Qualifications: Proven strategic leadership experience and understanding of multi-school systems.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 117800 € per year.
Keys Academies Trust is entering an important new chapter. As we prepare for a proposed merger with Thomas Deacon Education Trust in January 2027, we are seeking a Chief Executive Officer who can lead with purpose, discipline and a strong understanding of education leadership across diverse communities. This is an opportunity to shape the future of a growing Trust rooted in Peterborough, while leading an organisation focused on strong life chances for all children.
About Keys Academies Trust
Keys Academies Trust is a family of five academies serving west Peterborough. Formed in 2018 from a long-standing partnership between Jack Hunt School and a group of primary schools, the Trust has grown through collaboration, shared accountability and a commitment to consistent improvement. Each school retains its own identity and community relationships while contributing to shared Trust priorities. Our mission is simple: unlocking potential so that children can progress and participate. We focus on:
- Belonging, participation and achievement
- Strong leadership and consistent practice
- Shared expertise across schools
- High standards of behaviour, conduct and professionalism
- Creating environments where pupils can contribute and thrive
Our values of inclusiveness, kindness and hard work guide how we lead and work together.
About the Role
The Chief Executive Officer will lead Keys Academies Trust through its next phase of development and proposed merger with Thomas Deacon Education Trust. The CEO will:
- Provide strategic, operational and civic leadership across the Trust
- Act as Accounting Officer and ensure statutory, regulatory and financial compliance
- Lead across education, finance, estates, governance, operations, HR, safeguarding and risk
- Work closely with headteachers to support and challenge school leaders
- Strengthen systems, infrastructure and organisational capacity
- Build strong relationships with local authorities, health partners, community organisations and neighbouring trusts
- Represent the Trust across Peterborough and Cambridgeshire
- Lead the organisation through merger planning, integration and cultural alignment
- Shape the long‑term strategy, culture and organisational model of the merged 12‑school Trust
This role requires someone who can balance strategic thinking with operational discipline while maintaining a strong connection to the communities our schools serve.
Who We Are Looking For
We are seeking an experienced senior leader with:
- Significant strategic leadership experience within a complex organisation
- A strong understanding of multi‑school leadership and organisational systems
- Experience leading senior specialists across education, finance, operations, estates and people
- The ability to strengthen accountability, performance and sustainable improvement across multiple sites
- Experience of organisational growth, integration or cultural change at scale
- Strong financial and operational leadership skills
- An understanding of governance and working effectively with Boards
- Excellent relationship‑building and partnership skills
You will understand the varied cultural and economic characteristics of Peterborough’s communities and how these influence leadership, curriculum, inclusion and support. You will also know how to create alignment across schools without removing school identity.
Why Join Us?
This merger represents a significant opportunity to create a stronger organisation serving a wider range of communities across Peterborough and Cambridgeshire. The combined Trust would bring together:
- 12 schools across multiple phases
- Increased organisational capacity
- Greater opportunities for collaboration and shared improvement
- Stronger civic influence across the region
We are committed to building a Trust that is sustainable, coherent and able to support more schools in the future while remaining a strong community anchor.
Chief Executive Officer in Peterborough employer: Keys Academies Trust
Keys Academies Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusiveness, kindness, and hard work. As we embark on an exciting merger, we offer our Chief Executive Officer the chance to lead a dynamic organisation that prioritises strong life chances for all children in Peterborough. With a commitment to professional growth, collaboration, and community engagement, this role provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of education while making a meaningful impact across diverse communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer in Peterborough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend events, and connect with others on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Understand their mission and how you can contribute to it. We want you to shine, so practice common interview questions and think about how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and demonstrates your professionalism, which is key in leadership roles like CEO.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate leaders who align with our mission of unlocking potential for all children.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer in Peterborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience:Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who we are at Keys Academies Trust. Tailor your application to reflect our mission and values, showing how your experience aligns with our focus on inclusiveness, kindness, and hard work.
Be Clear and Concise:When detailing your experience, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We want to see your achievements and how they relate to the role of CEO, so make sure every word counts!
Showcase Your Leadership Style:As a potential CEO, we’re keen to know about your leadership approach. Share specific examples of how you've led teams through change or challenges, especially in educational settings. This will help us envision how you might lead our Trust.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape the future of our Trust.
How to prepare for a job interview at Keys Academies Trust
✨Know the Trust Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Keys Academies Trust's mission, values, and recent developments. Understand their approach to education leadership and how they engage with diverse communities. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your alignment with their goals and show that you're genuinely interested in leading the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
As a potential CEO, it's crucial to articulate your strategic vision for the Trust, especially in light of the upcoming merger. Prepare to discuss how you would approach integration, cultural alignment, and long-term strategy. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate your ability to lead through change and drive sustainable improvement.
✨Highlight Relationship-Building Skills
Strong relationships are key in this role, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully built partnerships with local authorities, community organisations, and other stakeholders. Discuss your approach to collaboration and how you can foster a sense of belonging and participation across the Trust's schools.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Given the financial responsibilities of the CEO role, prepare to discuss your experience with financial leadership and compliance. Be ready to explain how you've managed budgets, ensured regulatory compliance, and supported organisational growth. This will reassure the interviewers that you have the operational discipline needed to lead effectively.
