Forward Education Trust (FET) is a successful and ambitious multi-academy trust serving children and young people with special educational needs across Birmingham, Solihull and Sandwell. With six specialist schools, more than 850 pupils and over 400 dedicated staff, the Trust is committed to transforming lives through exceptional education, care and opportunity. Its schools support children and young people across a wide range of needs and age groups, united by a shared commitment to ensuring every pupil can thrive and achieve their full potential.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the next stage of FET’s development. Building on strong foundations and a clear sense of purpose, the new CEO will work closely with the Board of Trustees, school leaders and the Trust’s central team to deliver ambitious outcomes for pupils, maximise organisational performance and shape the future growth and influence of the Trust. The CEO will champion inclusive education, inspire high-performing teams and ensure that the Trust continues to advocate for the rights, opportunities and aspirations of families and their children and young people with special educational needs, in local communities and at national level.

We are seeking an exceptional leader with a proven record of strategic leadership, organisational development and delivering improvement at scale. You may come from education, the public sector, the charity sector or another values-driven environment, but you will bring a deep commitment to improving life chances for children and young people. You will have the vision, credibility and resilience to lead a complex organisation, alongside the ability to build strong relationships with trustees, leaders, staff, families and external partners. Personally, you will be collaborative, principled and ambitious, with a passion for inclusion and a belief in the power of education to transform lives. Above all, you will share FET’s commitment to ensuring that every child is safe, supported and able to flourish and live their best lives.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to FET on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit roles.saxbam.com using reference RCCFA. Alternatively email belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by noon on Friday 31 July using the link below.

https://saxtonbampfylde.maglr.com/forward-education-trust-ceo-2026/home