Chief Executive Officer Mowbray Education Trust

Chief Executive Officer Mowbray Education Trust

Lead the Mowbray Education Trust through a transformative period as its next Chief Executive Officer while delivering a first-class education for all.

• Location: Leicestershire and Lincolnshire

Mowbray Education Trust (MET) is a collaborative group of eight schools, from Early Years to Post 16, and a preschool setting committed to providing every child with a first-class education. The Trust works across Leicestershire and Lincolnshire serving communities of all socio-economic backgrounds. We are home to over 3,500 pupils and 550 staff with a single mission of 'Children First'.

The Trust Board is welcoming of a CEO to guide MET through our next phases of development. The CEO will provide strategic leadership, shaping our future while ensuring our schools deliver exceptional outcomes for all pupils especially as we continue to grow. As the Accounting Officer, the CEO will uphold our commitment to integrity, transparency, and responsible use of the resources entrusted to us.

Who we are

We believe in delivering first-class teaching and learning with integrity. Our trust spans a variety of communities, from small village primary schools to large secondary schools in towns serving areas with considerable socio-economic challenges. Our mission is to ensure every child, regardless of background or ability, achieves their potential through a high-quality education.

We currently have two secondary schools, six primary schools, and a preschool which provides support and education to mainstream children and those with SEND. MET was established as a single academy in 2011 and since then we have grown into a collaborative and inclusive all-through Trust community, serving the needs of pupils aged 2 to 18 both within and beyond the classroom.

Our approach is built on shared values of integrity, collaboration, and transparency. These principles underpin our decision-making, create a sense of accountability, and strengthen the bonds between our schools. We work to create an aspirational and supportive environment for our staff, empowering them to thrive and develop as leaders.

Our schools are based in and around Melton Mowbray and Shepshed, nestled in the beautiful Leicestershire countryside. This central location offers excellent connectivity and a vibrant community, making it an ideal place to live and work.

About the role

As the CEO of MET, you will lead the Trust through a transformative period while staying true to our core mission: delivering a first-class education for all. Reporting directly to the Trust Board, you will lead MET's strategic and operational direction, directing our resources and working with us to mature our systems, processes, and structures while driving forward our ambition for sustained school improvement.

MET has recently experienced steady and planned growth, currently operating eight schools, including two secondaries and six primaries, with plans for expansion in the medium term. However, this growth will only be possible once we have fortified our foundation. By developing a cohesive Trust-wide culture and encouraging further collaboration across schools, you will support our headteachers and staff to deliver high standards of teaching and learning while respecting individual school identities.

Your leadership will guide the Trust towards achieving our educational objectives. We aim to continue to improve the performance of our secondary schools and embed a more aligned curriculum across our primary schools in a way that balances core Trust principles with flexibility for local needs. Your role will involve driving these educational improvements while maintaining accountability and inspiring collective success.

Externally, you will represent MET's values and vision, working with stakeholders such as the Department for Education, local authorities, and communities to advocate for MET's mission. This external presence will be influential in establishing MET as a beacon of high-quality education provision.

Like other Trusts, the MET is facing financial challenges. While immediate efforts focus on ensuring stability, this role offers the exciting opportunity to collaborate with the Board in strategically reintroducing growth into our plans. We hope that our new CEO will not only ensure that we remain robust educationally and financially prosperous but also an outward-facing and influential Trust well-set for the future for the benefit of learners across the East Midlands region.

This role is eligible for the Local Government Pension Scheme.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking a leader with a blend of strategic acumen, operational expertise, and a passion for education to successfully guide the Trust through the next phase of its development.

You will be a strategic and influential leader who understands the complexities of multi-academy trusts and can balance operational demands with the strategic vision required to deliver exceptional outcomes for pupils. Your ability to inspire and empower others will be critical as you work to embed a culture of collaboration across our schools and central team. With a track record of successfully navigating organisational challenges, you will bring both resilience and a solutions-focused mindset to this role.

An understanding of the communities we serve is essential. Many of our schools are located in areas of socio-economic disadvantage, and you will share our belief in the transformative power of education to unlock potential and improve life chances. You will be committed to maintaining high expectations for all whilst respecting the individuality of each school within the Trust.

We welcome your ability to manage resources efficiently and ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks. As our Accounting Officer, you will have an eye for detail in financial matters, and the ability to lead improvements in systems and processes will be a key part of your remit. We are particularly keen to find a CEO who can build on the stabilisation work already underway, ensuring robust structures are in place to support long-term sustainability.

Equally important will be your ability to develop and strengthen relationships, both internally and externally. You will bring an enthusiasm to bringing our central leadership team, school leaders, and staff closer together through demonstrating the power of collectivism and partnership. Externally, you will act as the face of MET, engaging with stakeholders from the Department for Education, local authorities, community partners, and other key stakeholders. Your ability to advocate for the Trust and build confidence in our direction will be a critical success factor in this role.

Our new leader should come with a clear vision for the future. We hope to appoint someone who can help shape MET's long-term strategy, identifying opportunities for expansion and innovation once our foundations are secure.

Peridot Partners and Mowbray Education Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.