Are you passionate about education and making a positive impact on the lives of children and young people in our local community? The Corinium Education Trust is seeking enthusiastic and dedicated individuals with fresh ideas and unique perspectives to join our welcoming and committed Trust Board.

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting time to join the Corinium Education Trust, an evolving and ambitious multi-academy trust. In 2025, we welcomed Down Ampney C of E Primary School and Sherborne C of E Primary School into our growing family of schools. Looking ahead, we are excited to be opening a brand-new primary school in September 2029 to serve the families of The Steadings, a new residential development in Cirencester.

From January 2026, Claire Graham will join the Corinium Education Trust as Trust Lead (CEO), succeeding Chiquita Henson, who will retire at the end of 2025 after 40 years in education and seven years leading the Trust.

What we are looking for

Following a recent skills audit, we are particularly keen to hear from individuals with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Business or public service backgrounds: a strong track record in finance, project management, change management, or resourcing and delivery.
• School leadership (primary, secondary, or special school): Experience as a senior school leader, school improvement adviser, or Ofsted inspector to complement the skills of our current Trustees and support our vision for school improvement across all phases.
• Charity Sector – Experience in governance, fundraising, or operational leadership within charitable organisations.
• Human Resources – Knowledge of employment law, recruitment, staff development, or organisational culture.

What does the role involve?

As a Trustee, you will:

• Ensure clarity of vision, ethos, and strategic direction of our Trust.
• Hold the Trust Lead (CEO) to account for the educational performance of our schools and the effective performance management of staff.
• Oversee the financial performance of the Trust to ensure our funding is well spent.

Time Commitment

The Trust Board meets seven times a year, typically on Tuesdays at 5.00pm, with meetings held in person. In addition, each Trustee is assigned to one of our committees; Standards, Audit and Risk, or People which meet 3–4 times annually. Committee meetings are usually held on Tuesdays at 6.00pm and take place online via Microsoft Teams. Trustees are also expected to take up induction and training opportunities to enable them to fulfil their role effectively

Why Volunteer as a Trustee?

Volunteering as a Trustee is a rewarding opportunity to contribute your skills, insights, and lived experiences while making a tangible difference in our schools and communities. Trustees bring diverse expertise to the Board, and your role will help connect the Trust with stakeholders and the communities we serve. Being a Trustee can also boost your career prospects by demonstrating to employers that your skills and experience are highly valued.

We value diversity and are committed to ensuring our Board represents a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups and do not discriminate based on age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender identity, sexual orientation, or marital status.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments will be subject to safer recruitment checks and clearances.

How to apply

To learn more about the role, contact Mark Lees, Chair of the Trust Board at m.lees@coriniumeducationtrust.net for an informal conversation.

To request an application form, email Kathy Jackson, CET Governance Officer, at clerk@coriniumeducationtrust.net. Please send your completed application form to the same address.

 Thank you for your interest in joining the Trust Board of the Corinium Education Trust.

We look forward to hearing from you.