Role: Trustee
Location: South Yorkshire & Cambridgeshire (meetings held in both regions and remotely)
Commitment: Approx. 20 hours per term
Term: Four years
Closing date: Midnight (BST), 14 April 2026

Make a Strategic Impact on the Future of Education

Do you want to use your experience, insight and values to improve the life chances of thousands of children? Are you motivated by the opportunity to influence strategy, strengthen governance, and shape the long‑term direction of a large and ambitious multi‑academy trust?

If so, joining the Board of Trustees at Astrea Academy Trust could be the opportunity where your expertise makes a profound and lasting difference.

Why Become a Trustee at Astrea?

Astrea Academy Trust is a family of 26 academies educating over 14,000 pupils across South Yorkshire and Cambridgeshire. All our schools are rated GOOD by Ofsted, and our Astrea 2030 strategy sets a clear and ambitious direction for the years ahead.

As a Trustee, you will play a key role in ensuring we deliver on our mission to help every child learn, thrive, and lead successful lives. This voluntary leadership position provides the opportunity to:

• Contribute to trust‑wide strategy, vision and long‑term planning.
• Hold the Executive Team to account for educational performance, financial stewardship, and organisational impact. 
• Influence key decisions that shape the educational experience of thousands of pupils.
• Ensure our values of Scholarship, Curiosity and Tenacity are lived out in every academy.
• Gain high‑level non‑executive experience, broadening your professional portfolio.
• Work alongside committed experts from a wide range of sectors.

What Does the Role Involve?

Trustees are responsible for the governance of both the Trust as a whole and each school within it. This is a strategic, high‑impact role involving:

Core Responsibilities

• Setting a clear strategic direction and monitoring progress toward trust objectives.
• Overseeing financial performance and ensuring resources are managed responsibly.
• Scrutinising educational standards and ensuring high expectations for all pupils.
• Providing support and challenge to the Chief Executive and Executive Team.
• Ensuring compliance with charity law, company law, and the Academy Trust Handbook.
• Ensuring systems are in place for effective risk management and organisational accountability.

Meetings & Time Commitment

• Minimum of five Board meetings per year (mix of remote and in‑person).
• Membership of two Board committees, each meeting up to five times annually.
• School visits, reading of papers, and engagement with training and development.
  Estimated total commitment: 20 hours per term. 

Who We Are Looking For

All candidates must demonstrate:

• A strong interest in education and commitment to improving outcomes for children.
• Strategic thinking and sound judgement.
• The ability to communicate clearly, challenge constructively, and contribute to robust debate.
• Alignment with the Nolan Principles of public life.
• Willingness to learn, develop and contribute meaningfully to the work of the Board. 

We particularly welcome applicants with senior‑level expertise in:

• Procurement at scale.
• Commercial strategy.
• Broadening access to sport, arts, culture, or civic engagement.
• Policy development or political advisory work.

We would also welcome candidates with a deep personal or professional connection to Doncaster or Barnsley. 

Experience in education is not essential for this recruitment round.

Why Astrea?

We are unapologetically ambitious for every child—regardless of background or need. Our schools are calm, purposeful places with academic rigour, high expectations and a rich co‑curricular offer.

As a Trustee, you will join a values‑driven organisation with a clear moral purpose and a passionate, expert Executive Team committed to making a difference every day. 

Next Steps

If you are interested in contributing your skills and experience to the strategic leadership of Astrea Academy Trust, we would love to hear from you.

Please contact Stephen Casey at recruitment@astreaacademytrust.org to arrange an informal conversation.

To apply, please send:

• Your CV, and
• A short statement of interest outlining why you would like to become a Trustee.

Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to complete the full application materials. Interviews will be held on Tuesday 28 April 2026. 

Safeguarding and EDI

Astrea Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks.

We warmly welcome applications from all backgrounds. As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria and are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the process.