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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to enhance educational excellence across multiple schools.
- Company: Ridgeway Education Trust is dedicated to transforming lives through high-quality education.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, professional development, and a supportive community.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant, inclusive environment focused on social justice and school improvement.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience with a strong track record in education.
- Other info: Candidates are encouraged to visit the Trust and engage in informal conversations.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Ridgeway Education Trust (RET) is based in south Oxfordshire and currently comprises eight secondary and primary schools and a SCITT, serving over 4,400 pupils and their communities. Guided by our core values of integrity, ambition and leading for legacy, we are committed to delivering excellence through high quality education with powerful collaboration at its heart.
The shared motivation of the RET team of governors, leaders, teachers and support staff is tangible. We believe that education has the potential to transform lives. Social justice matters to us and we are determined that all of our children and young people, especially our most disadvantaged, thrive. Walking through any RET school, you will experience the joy of a welcoming, vibrant and inclusive learning community. We believe that school improvement is most successful when underpinned by deep collaboration at all levels: we are always stronger together. Teaching and learning, school improvement and staff CPD are at the core of ensuring our pupils and staff have access to the best opportunities and development. We live our values of offering high levels of support and challenge through respectful and dignified relationships. Our commitment to staff wellbeing and ongoing professional development is shared in our RET Staff Charter.
With a proven track record of school improvement, and having recently completed a period of significant growth, the Trust is in a strong position with great potential for the next CEO to develop. The RET Charter is a statement of our mission, values and culture. We believe that each school within the Trust should be both a capacity giver and taker to enable continuous school improvement. Whilst we believe that the identity of each school is precious, and the context of a school is fundamental to the right school improvement strategy, we also believe that good practice which has demonstrable impact should be shared and systematised across the Trust to the benefit of all young people. We use systems and structures to create clarity and consistency and as a platform for creative innovation with a healthy approach towards risk.
The board of trustees is seeking to appoint a dynamic, values-driven, and visionary CEO with a strong track record. The successful candidate will embody our vision, uphold our values and possess the skills and expertise to lead the Trust successfully in its next phase of development.
We will provide you with:
- A family of schools united by our core values of integrity, ambition and leading for legacy
- Respectful, motivated, and happy pupils with a passion for learning
- A strong commitment to your ongoing professional development with access to an external leadership coach
- A supportive and dedicated board of trustees
- A highly skilled and expert central team
- A suite of trust offices based at Didcot Girls’ School
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Flexible working opportunities and a genuine commitment to family and work/life balance
- Enrolment to the teacher or LGPS pension scheme, as appropriate
We thank you for your interest in this post and hope that, after reading the CEO Recruitment Pack, you will feel encouraged to apply for this exciting opportunity. Should candidates wish to visit the Trust prior to application or to arrange an informal conversation with Ruth Elliot, Chair of Trustees, they are warmly invited to do so by contacting Caroline Ball, RET Governance Lead, at
We are a flexible working employer, and willing to make any reasonable adjustments you require during your interview so please ask us.
Ridgeway Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Section 128 check. References will be sought for shortlisted candidates before interview. Please also be aware that you will be subject to an online check for publicly available information and that you may be questioned about the findings of such a check at your interview.
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Chief Executive Officer employer: Ridgeway Education Trust
Contact Detail:
Ridgeway Education Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Executive Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the core values of Ridgeway Education Trust: integrity, ambition, and leading for legacy. Reflect on how your own leadership style and experiences align with these values, as this will be crucial in demonstrating your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with the current educational landscape in Oxfordshire and understand the specific challenges and opportunities facing the schools within the Trust. This knowledge will help you articulate a clear vision for the future during discussions with the board.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider reaching out to current or former trustees and staff members to gain insights into the culture and operational dynamics of the Trust. This can provide you with valuable context that will enhance your conversations during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your track record in school improvement and how you have successfully led teams through change. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your ability to foster collaboration and drive results in an educational setting.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Executive Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Trust's Values: Familiarize yourself with Ridgeway Education Trust's core values of integrity, ambition, and leading for legacy. Reflect these values in your application to demonstrate alignment with their mission.
Highlight Leadership Experience: Emphasize your proven track record in school improvement and leadership roles. Provide specific examples of how you have successfully led teams and driven positive change in educational settings.
Show Commitment to Social Justice: Articulate your commitment to social justice and how it has influenced your approach to education. Discuss strategies you have implemented to support disadvantaged students and promote inclusivity.
Prepare Thoughtful Questions: Prepare insightful questions for the informal conversation with the Chair of Trustees. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand the Trust's culture and expectations better.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ridgeway Education Trust
✨Emphasize Your Visionary Leadership
As a candidate for CEO, it's crucial to articulate your vision for the Trust. Discuss how you plan to uphold the core values of integrity, ambition, and leading for legacy while driving school improvement and collaboration across the schools.
✨Showcase Your Commitment to Social Justice
Demonstrate your understanding of social justice and how it influences your approach to education. Share specific examples of how you've worked to ensure that all students, especially the disadvantaged, have access to quality education and opportunities.
✨Highlight Collaborative Successes
Since the Trust values deep collaboration, be prepared to discuss your experiences in fostering teamwork among educators and staff. Provide examples of successful initiatives that resulted from collaborative efforts and how they benefited the learning community.
✨Prepare for Questions on School Improvement Strategies
Expect questions about your track record in school improvement. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've implemented in the past, their outcomes, and how you plan to share best practices across the Trust to enhance overall performance.
