Learning Academies Trust is seeking a strategic and experienced finance professional with strong operational leadership. You will have senior leadership experience within a professional service environment, ideally in education or similar sectors and a proven track record of managing diverse teams through periods of growth or change.

Strong skills in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and analysis are essential, as is experience presenting complex information to boards and senior stakeholders.

You will have experience developing robust financial controls and ensuring compliance with statutory obligations, internal procedures and regulatory frameworks, ideally including the Academy Trust Handbook. Experience in due diligence, organisational scaling and using financial software packages such as PS Financials or IMP is desirable.

The successful candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills, capable of collaborating, influencing and motivating colleagues across multiple functions. You will be solution-focused, strategic and able to make informed decisions while anticipating future challenges and opportunities. Integrity, transparency and a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children are essential.

You will be resilient and able to work under pressure, balancing multiple priorities while ensuring high-quality outcomes. Commitment to personal and team development, including coaching and mentoring, is important. Flexibility and adaptability in working patterns and evolving responsibilities are required.

About us

The Learning Academies Trust is an 18-school primary Multi Academy Trust situated in the heart of Plymouth, dedicated to transforming children’s life chances through high-quality education. Serving nearly 5,500 children with over 900 staff across its schools and nursery settings, LAT has grown organically since its inception in 2016, rooted in a collaborative, school-to-school support culture.

The Trust is deeply committed to school improvement, with a clear track record of raising standards. Nearly 40% of its schools have faced challenges, yet as of early 2025, all Ofsted-inspected schools are rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding.’ LAT consistently achieves academic outcomes above national averages, including for disadvantaged pupils.

A key component of LAT’s success is its partnership with the Plymouth Teachers and Schools Alliance (PTSA), which delivers comprehensive programmes in Initial Teacher Training, Teaching Assistant and Early Years Apprenticeships and ongoing professional development. PTSA’s experienced school improvement team further supports excellence across LAT schools and the wider Plymouth area.

The Trust’s commitment to collaborative working, continuous staff development and high educational standards underpins its mission to ensure every child receives the best possible education.

The recruitment for this position is being managed by Peridot. For further information or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultants at Peridot Partners:

Eddie Caviezel Cox | eddiec@peridotpartners.co.uk | 07951 920768

Horatio April | horatio@peridotpartners.co.uk | 07375 977474

CFOO | Learning Academies Trust via Peridot Partners

The Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and we expect all staff to share this commitment.  This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; pre-employment checks will be carried out; references will be sought for all shortlisted candidates and all shortlisted candidates will be requested to complete a questionnaire about any convictions or adult cautions that are unspent.  Guidance will be given to those shortlisted. Appointment is subject to an Enhanced DBS.