Chief Executive Officer

Schoolsweek; England; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational trust in the UK seeks an inspiring Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to provide strategic leadership across a growing family of schools. The successful candidate will lead the Trust's mission grounded in Christian values and ensure educational excellence. Ideal candidates should have proven leadership in education, a child-centred approach and exceptional strategic capabilities. This is an opportunity to shape the future of education within a collaborative environment and positively influence the lives of children.

Benefits

Opportunity to shape educational practices

Commitment to staff well-being

Collaboration opportunities with peers

Qualifications

• Proven track record of leadership in education sectors.
• Experience as a CEO, Headteacher, or senior Trust leader.
• Strong communication skills and ability to support colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Drive educational improvement across the Trust.
• Provide strategic leadership and oversight.
• Build strong partnerships within the community.

Skills

Strategic capability

Educational understanding

Leadership

Visionary thinking

Child-centred approach

Job description

Chester Diocesan Learning Trust (CDLT) is seeking to appoint its first permanent, values-driven Chief Executive Officer (CEO), who will be an inspiring Christian leader, to provide strategic leadership to our growing family of schools.

Who we are

CDLT is built on a vision of collaboration and inclusion. We serve a diverse range of schools, each with its own strengths, culture and community identity, while fostering a shared purpose and sense of belonging across the Trust.

Our schools are supported by an executive team that values staff well‑being, professional growth, and innovation. Leaders work together in a culture of trust, mutual respect, and continuous improvement. The Trust encourages peer‑to‑peer support, school‑to‑school and MAT‑to‑MAT collaboration, and research‑informed approaches to education.

CDLT is born out of our Diocese, which has been delivering education for over 200 years. We work closely with the Chester Diocesan Board of Education (DBE) to secure governance that is both supportive and challenging, ensuring resources are used effectively, outcomes for pupils are excellent, and the distinctiveness of church schools is preserved. Our vision recognises the unique gifts of every school, staff member, and child, aiming to help all flourish within a sustainable, forward‑looking organisation that adds value to every school.

CDLT is the second Diocesan Multi‑Academy Trust established by the Diocesan Board of Education (DBE), and its success is closely connected to productive collaboration across the Diocesan family. It is therefore essential that CDLT works in close and purposeful partnership with Chester Diocesan Academies Trust (CDAT). Together, the two Trusts play a vital role in advancing the DBE’s mission, sharing expertise, aligning strategic priorities, and ensuring that Church of England education across the Diocese remains strong, coherent, and rooted in Christianity.

About the role

As a newly established Trust, this appointment presents a distinctive opportunity to shape educational excellence, uphold and advance our Christian vision, and ensure that every child within the Trust is enabled to fulfil their potential.

CDLT is entering an exciting period of strategic development. As the executive leader of the Trust, the CEO will drive continued educational improvement, ensure strong organisational stewardship and champion CDLT’s mission across our communities.

You will build on the strong foundations laid by our trustees and interim executive team and work to shape the direction of our Trust.

Who we are looking for

This is a demanding and rewarding role requiring a Christian leader with the strategic capability, educational understanding and personal integrity to lead CDLT into its next chapter.

The successful candidate will bring a track record of successful leadership, whether as a CEO, Headteacher, Executive Head, senior Trust leader or equivalent, and will demonstrate the vision and resilience required for a system‑leadership role.

The CEO will be someone who is fair, supportive, and visionary, able to both challenge and empower school leaders. They will be deeply child‑centred, appreciating the unique strengths and cultures of each school, while fostering a shared purpose across the Trust.

The CEO will be approachable, calm, and considerate, communicating clearly and responding in a timely manner, with understanding of the demands faced by staff and governors. As a trusted critical friend, you will support Headteachers to innovate, grow, and flourish.

Above all, the CEO will bring a values‑driven approach grounded in the Christian vision of the Trust. All candidates must be approved by the Diocese and demonstrate full respect for the Church articles that shape and sustain our Trust’s ethos.

If you are a strategic, compassionate and inspiring leader who is ready to make a significant difference across a growing family of schools, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Peridot Partners and Chester Diocesan Learning 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.

For further information about the role and to register your interest, please contact our advising consultant at Peridot Partners: https://www.peridotpartners.co.uk/jobs/chief-executive-officer-chester-diocesan-learning-trust/