The Athelstan Trust is a successful and growing Multi-Academy Trust consisting of five secondary schools and two primary schools with another secondary and two primary schools joining in July 2025 across the South-West. We currently employ over 600 people and, guided by our core values of caring, collaborative and excellent, we are committed to delivering an exceptional comprehensive education to all our students.

We are seeking to appoint a dynamic and strategic Chief Operating Officer (COO) with outstanding leadership and communications skills to play a key role, ensuring the Trust’s continued growth and success taking over from our very successful current COO who is retiring in August. The successful candidate will embody our vision, uphold our values and possess the skills and expertise to support the Trust through its next phase of growth.

As the COO, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the operational efficiency and effectiveness of the Trust, working closely with our CEO and CFO, school leaders, and central team to shape and implement operational strategies that support the delivery of our educational vision. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual who thrives in a challenging environment and is passionate about making a positive impact on education.

We will provide you with:

• A family of schools united by our core values of caring, collaborative and excellent

• A highly skilled and talented central team

• A strong commitment to your ongoing professional development

• A supportive and dedicated Board of Trustees

• A suite of offices for the central team in Tetbury

• Employee Assistance Programme

• Flexible working opportunities and a genuine commitment to family and work / life balance

• A handover period with a current COO

• Guidance from our external Health and Safety support provider

This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced and forward-thinking professional to make a lasting impact on the operational efficiency and success of a growing Trust.

We are a flexible working employer, and we are willing to make any reasonable adjustments you require during your interview so please ask us.

The Athelstan Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. References will be sought for shortlisted candidates before interview. Please also be aware that you will be subject to an online check and that you may be questioned about the findings of such a check at your interview.

Candidates who would like to talk about this opportunity are invited to contact Tim Gilson by email tgilson@theathelstantrust.org