Chief Executive Officer Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust in North East

Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust is seeking to appoint an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to lead our family of Catholic schools at a pivotal point in our development. This is a senior system leadership role. It carries responsibility for the performance, sustainability and Catholic character of the Trust. It is a vocation as much as a post, rooted in service, witness and a deep commitment to Catholic education. Our Trust serves over 14,000 pupils aged 2–18 across 47, soon to be 48, Catholic academies. Working in close partnership with the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle, the Trust exists to preserve and strengthen Catholic education so that all can flourish.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer will provide visible, strategic leadership across the Trust. As Accounting Officer, the postholder will hold overall responsibility for educational standards, financial performance, governance and statutory compliance, while safeguarding and developing the Trust’s Catholic life. The Chief Executive Officer will act as the Trust’s principal ambassador. They will articulate and model its Christ-centred vision, ensuring alignment with diocesan priorities, Bishop’s directives and the teachings of the Catholic Church.

As Chief Executive Officer, you will:

• Provide inspirational, Christ-centred leadership across all schools and services
• Promote and safeguard the Catholic ethos and mission of the Trust
• Lead strategic planning, growth and system development in partnership with the Board
• Hold to account senior leaders and headteachers for performance and improvement
• Ensure strong governance, risk management and financial probity
• Oversee sustained improvement in teaching, learning and outcomes
• Build leadership capacity and succession across the Trust
• Develop effective partnerships locally, regionally and nationally
• Act as the Trust’s principal spokesperson and representative

We are seeking a practising Catholic servant leader with significant senior leadership experience in education. You will have a secure understanding of Catholic education, system leadership and organisational improvement, alongside the credibility to lead complex change. You will bring clarity of vision, personal resilience and the ability to inspire trust. You will be relational, values-driven and committed to inclusion, safeguarding and the dignity of every individual. This post carries a clear faith requirement. The successful candidate must be a practising Catholic, able to provide a supporting priest’s reference.

Safeguarding: Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. The appointment is subject to enhanced DBS checks and safer recruitment procedures.

How to apply: Please visit www.joinbwcet.co.uk for details on how to apply. The closing date for applications is: 27 February 2026 at 9.00am. Shortlisting will take place on: Week commencing 2 March 2026. Final interviews will take place on: 17 and 18 March 2026.

For an informal and confidential conversation, please contact Laura McGunigle at Satis Education on 07931 384683 or by email- Laura@satiseducation.co.uk.