At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a Trust dedicated to supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.
- Company: Orchard Hill College Academy Trust, a family of specialist academies across London and beyond.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful work, and the chance to shape inclusive education.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to excellence and growth in SEND education.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable young people and lead innovative educational strategies.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and a passion for inclusive education.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
Overview
Orchard Hill College Academy Trust (OHCAT) is a family of specialist academies supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities across London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire.
The Trust operates 13 special schools, alongside integrated support services including therapy and nursing, and a central team covering HR, Finance, IT and Estates.
Orchard Hill College Academy Trust (OHCAT) was established under the sponsorship of Orchard Hill College (OHC), a specialist further education provider with a long-standing reputation for excellence in supporting learners with severe, profound, and complex needs.
This founding relationship has shaped the Trust's development from the outset, embedding a shared commitment to high‑quality provision, specialist expertise, and a deep understanding of how to support some of the most vulnerable young people in the education system.
Since its inception, OHCAT has grown into a significant Multi-Academy Trust serving over 2,000 learners with special educational needs and disabilities across London, Surrey, Sussex, and Berkshire.
Pupils present with a wide range of needs, including autism, speech, language and communication difficulties, social, emotional and mental health needs, and complex physical and learning disabilities.
As both organisations have matured and expanded, governance and leadership arrangements are evolving to reflect their respective scale and ambitions, with a move toward dedicated executive leadership for each, underpinned by a formal partnership agreement that will sustain the collaboration, shared learning, and mutual support that have defined their relationship.
The incoming OHCAT CEO will lead a Trust that is established, well‑supported, and confident in its identity, with a close and valued partner in Orchard Hill College.
This is a pivotal moment.
As OHCAT moves forward independently, there is a unique opportunity to sharpen its identity, enhance its influence and position it as a leading voice in SEND and inclusive education.
Responsibilities
- Report to the Board of Trustees and provide clear, values‑led leadership, setting strategic direction.
- Ensure strong outcomes for learners and maintain financial and organisational sustainability.
- Lead the development of a new strategy, shape the Trust’s operating model and strengthen its external profile through effective partnerships and sector engagement.
- Lead the Trust in its transition to independence, sharpening its identity and enhancing its influence as a leading voice in SEND and inclusive education.
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive in London
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We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Leadership Skills:In the corporate leadership and management field, it's essential to highlight your leadership experience. Use your CV to flesh out examples of how you've led teams to success or managed significant projects. We want to see specific instances where your actions made a tangible difference in your previous roles!
Quantify Your Achievements:Numbers talk, especially in management! When detailing your achievements in your CV or cover letter, don’t just say you improved team performance. Instead, say you boosted productivity by 30% over six months through effective strategy implementation. This makes your application pop and shows us what you can bring to Orchard Hill College.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to narrate your professional journey. We’re looking for motivation and a clear understanding of what corporate leadership means to you. Dive into your aspirations and how they align with the values and vision of Orchard Hill College. Make it personal – we want to get to know you!
Tailor Your CV for Management Roles:Ensure your CV reflects the management skills that are essential for this role. Focus on competencies like strategic planning, team building, and problem-solving. Use a clean layout, and don’t forget to align your experiences with those keywords mentioned in the job listing. This will help you stand out from the crowd!
How to prepare for a job interview at Orchard Hill College
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You’ll want to thoroughly convey your unique approach to leadership. During the interview with Orchard Hill College, be ready to share real-life examples of how you've inspired and motivated teams in the past. Think about specific achievements that illustrate your strategic thinking and your ability to drive results.
✨Brush Up on Management Theories
Expect some technical questions related to management theories and practices. Brush up on concepts like transformational leadership, servant leadership, or situational leadership. Be prepared to discuss how you would apply these theories to the role at Orchard Hill College, especially in the specific context of the challenges they’re currently facing.
✨Craft Your Vision for the Company
Since this is a full-time leadership role, spending time thinking about your vision for Orchard Hill College could really set you apart. Consider potential strategies for growth and how you would lead teams towards achieving them. This shows not just enthusiasm, but also strategic foresight that they’ll likely be looking for in a candidate.
✨Emphasise Team Dynamics and Culture
In corporate leadership, team dynamics and organisational culture are everything. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a positive work environment in previous roles. Bring up examples of how you've managed diverse teams effectively—this will resonate well at Orchard Hill College as they’re likely seeking a candidate who can enhance their workplace culture.
