Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as advisor and partner to Danes Educational Trust on this appointment. Applicants should apply for this role through their website: www.saxbam.com/appointments using code RBXDA.

We are a multi-academy trust working to develop optimistic, resilient pupils and valued, empowered staff through local, national and global partnerships. Established in June 2016, the Trust now comprises 13 schools; a mix of primary, secondary and one UTC across Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

The aim of the Trust is to provide an exemplary education, through creating a community of excellent schools. We equip our pupils with the skills they need to become curious, creative and courageous and ensure our school environments are places where their talents are nurtured, and our pupils are happy. We are a family of schools and we make the difference together as one trust. 

We are seeking an inspirational and ambitious Chief Executive Officer to lead Danes Educational Trust into the next stage of our development. Our next Chief Executive Officer will be a strategic leader who brings courage and clarity of vision to strengthen our reputation for educational excellence, ensuring every pupil, whatever their starting point, can thrive both within and beyond the classroom. 

The successful applicant will be a leader who embodies our values, placing joy, optimism, and well-being at the heart of all activity, fostering a culture of safety, equality, and resilience. This requires an authentic, credible, and collaborative communicator who is skilled at motivating, developing, and taking colleagues with them. They will empower high performing teams within a strong accountability culture, balancing ambition with inclusivity, respect, and kindness. They will be a respected educational leader with proven success at scale. 

The role demands business acumen and strategic insight, with a track record of delivering transformational change and the courage and expertise to lead rapid improvement in challenging contexts. Critically, they must demonstrate a deep understanding of the national operating environment, the educational accountability framework, and the responsibilities of the Accounting Officer role. 

This is a unique opportunity to lead a values-driven trust with a relentless commitment to improving outcomes for all pupils. 

We are committed to equal opportunities, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required.

If you feel you have the skills, expertise and leadership qualities to lead us on the next stage of our development, then we would like to hear from you.  More information on the role including the job and person specification, and the application process can be obtained by contacting either Vidhu Sood-Nicholls or Jo Ogilvy, the consultants advising the Trust at Saxton Bampfylde.

Danes Educational Trust would be happy to arrange an informal conversation with the outgoing CEO or the Chair ahead of the application deadline. To arrange this, please contact Saxton Bampfylde.