At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Ethos Academy Trust through a critical transition, ensuring stability and driving school improvements.
- Company: Ethos Academy Trust, dedicated to putting children at the heart of every decision.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, potential for permanent role, and support from an experienced executive team.
- Other info: Flexible working patterns may be considered; early applications encouraged.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in education and shape the future of our schools.
- Qualifications: Proven senior leadership experience in education and a strong track record of school improvement.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Start Date: September
Contract: Interim (likely until Easter or as required) – with the potential to term permanent for the right candidate
Salary: Competitive day rate (dependent on experience)
Location: Ethos Academy Trust, Batley, West Yorkshire
Make an Immediate Impact Where It Matters Most
Ethos Academy Trust are seeking an experienced and values-driven Interim CEO to lead our Trust through a critical period of transition. This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful, immediate impact—providing stability, strengthening school improvement, and shaping the next phase of their journey.
About the Role
As Interim CEO, you will provide strong, steady leadership across the Trust from September, ensuring continuity and clarity during a period of change. You will:
- Stabilise and lead the Trust with confidence and credibility
- Drive improvements in teaching, learning, and outcomes
- Support schools facing challenge, including those preparing for inspection
- Work closely with an experienced executive team (COO/CFO/Chief Education Officer/Executive Headteacher)
- Build strong relationships with Trustees, leaders, and stakeholders
- Maintain a collaborative, values-led culture
Who We’re Looking For
We are looking for a leader who can quickly understand context, build trust, and take decisive action where needed. You will bring:
- Proven experience in a senior MAT leadership role (CEO, Executive Leader, or similar)
- A strong track record of school improvement and raising standards
- Deep understanding of Ofsted and accountability frameworks
- Experience leading through change, challenge, or organisational transition
- A collaborative leadership style—able to influence, not dictate
What Matters Most
We are a Trust that values:
- Integrity and strong moral purpose
- Collaboration over hierarchy
- Sustainable, thoughtful improvement
- Putting children and young people at the heart of every decision
We are particularly interested in leaders who:
- Have experience in specialist/SEND settings (desirable)
- Bring credibility in improving teaching and learning
- Can balance urgency with long-term thinking
Key Details
Start: September, with flexible handover arrangements available
Contract: Interim (with potential extension or permanent opportunity)
Structure: Supported by an established central team
Flexibility: Some flexibility in working pattern may be considered
Apply / Find Out More
For a confidential conversation or to express interest, please contact a member of the team at Satis Education via: admin@satiseducation.co.uk and 01744 634654. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis so early expressions of interest are strongly encouraged. If you wish to be immediately considered please send your CV to us at the email address stated.
Ethos Academy Trust is committed to the safeguarding of children and young people. An enhanced disclosure from the DBS will be required for all roles. All candidates will also be subject to an online search for information about you as part of our due diligence and commitment to safeguarding.
Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in Leeds employer: Satis Education Ltd
Contact Detail:
Satis Education Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who know about leadership roles. A personal recommendation can make all the difference when you're aiming for that Interim CEO position.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Trust's values and recent developments. Show us how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can lead them through this transition. Tailor your responses to highlight your collaborative leadership style!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings—be proactive! Reach out directly to Ethos Academy Trust or similar organisations to express your interest. Sometimes, opportunities arise from conversations rather than formal applications.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay flexible and open-minded. The role might evolve as you step in, so be ready to adapt your approach based on the Trust's needs. Show us that you can balance urgency with long-term thinking while maintaining a values-led culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Interim CEO role. Highlight your leadership experience, especially in school improvement and organisational transitions, to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about leading during this critical period. Share specific examples of how you've driven improvements and built trust in previous roles.
Showcase Your Values: We value integrity and collaboration, so make sure to weave these themes into your application. Let us know how your leadership style aligns with our values and how you plan to put children and young people at the heart of your decisions.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of being considered, apply directly through our website. It’s the quickest way for us to receive your application and get you on our radar for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Satis Education Ltd
✨Know Your Impact
Before the interview, think about how your leadership style can stabilise and improve the Trust. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven school improvement and raised standards in previous roles.
✨Understand the Context
Familiarise yourself with Ethos Academy Trust's current challenges and successes. This will help you demonstrate your understanding of their needs and how you can provide strong, steady leadership during this transitional period.
✨Build Relationships
Highlight your collaborative leadership style during the interview. Prepare to discuss how you've built trust with stakeholders in the past and how you plan to maintain a values-led culture within the Trust.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to talk about your experience in leading through change and challenge. Use concrete examples to illustrate your ability to balance urgency with long-term thinking, especially in relation to Ofsted and accountability frameworks.