School Trust CEO programme: Shaping the next generation of trust leaders
The National Institute of Teaching has officially launched its new specialist programme designed to support school trust CEOs as they navigate the complexities of the hugely influential CEO role.
The new cohort of 25 participants (known in the context of the programmes as Fellows) were brought together in-person for the first time last week at their opening conference in Birmingham.
The two-day event featured leading expert contributors from the sector, including an address from Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Baroness Barran, CEO of the Confederation of School Trusts Leora Cruddas CBE and a powerful keynote from Dame Colette Bowe, member of the Financial Policy Committee at the Bank of England.
The Fellows also heard from school leaders and education experts including Rebecca Boomer-Clark, Ed Vainker OBE, Andy Wolfe, Dr Martin Clarke and Sir Nick Weller.
Representing nearly 300 schools, the Fellows collectively serve more than 120,000 children in England. A frequent theme throughout the event was the potential that the Fellows had to instigate real change and improvements in the education sector and the communities they operate within.
One participant commented: “I am leaving with a much greater emphasis on my role as someone who is responsible for removing social injustice in the system. Outward facing, community-focused drive and passion.”
Another Fellow added, “We will now spend more time considering the role our schools play in their communities and how we can maximise this.”
Baroness Barran, Minister for Schools System, agrees that the programme has transformative potential, saying: “This exciting programme will play a vital role in boosting the pipeline of strong trust leaders. We expect programme Fellows to form the core of our next generation of trust CEOs and continue to transform how education is provided in this country.
“High-quality trusts deliver great outcomes for pupils, directly changing lives. This programme will strengthen trust performance, providing participants with the knowledge, skills and behaviours to create a really high-performing culture in their trusts.”
The Fellows will now embark on 12 months of tailored professional development that includes a blend of in-person events, virtual self-study and coaching.
Interested in applying?
The NIoT is now recruiting for the 2nd cohort of the School Trust CEO Programme, which begins in September 2024. To find out more and express your interest, click here.