Chief Executive

The Haberdashers’ Aske’s Federation is a Multi-Academy Trust comprising four secondary and five primary state-maintained academies and the Federation’s teaching school, Atlas.  The Trust’s vision is to improve and enhance the life chances of its pupils, many of whom are from disadvantaged backgrounds, through the provision of education which not only stretches them academically, but also enriches their wider development.  As such, the academies place real importance on the extra-curricular life of the schools and seek to enhance their pupils’ experiences in whatever ways they can.  The academies are all deep-rooted in their communities and are located across the boroughs of Bexley, Lewisham and Southwark in South-East London.  In all, the Federation educates over 5,000 children and young people and employs around 300 teachers and 250 support staff.  

The Federation is forward looking and values innovation within the context of its long tradition of providing excellent education.  Crucial to its ethos is that each of the academies sits at the heart of its community, sharing a vision with the wider group on how best to deliver for the children and young people who attend its schools.  The Federation’s vision is built from its values of aspiration and achievement, personal responsibility, self-discipline and mutual respect. 

The current Chief Executive, Adrian Percival, has indicated his desire to retire in the summer of 2020, following what will be nine years in post.  This is a rare and exciting chance to lead a medium-sized multi-academy trust which has the backing and support of a highly engaged and well-resourced sponsor and a clear vision for success.  The CEO will be joining at a time when there is significant momentum and a drive and ambition to ensure the Trust becomes one of the best in the country.  Having experienced a period of growth, culminating with the opening of the new secondary in Borough, the Board is looking for a CEO whose primary focus will be on improving outcomes for students, working through and with the school leaders to achieve this.  This role is ideally suited to an educationalist with a strong coaching and mentoring approach, who enjoys working in collaboration with and developing high performing teams.  Given the diversity of schools within the Federation, this is also an excellent opportunity to experience a range of different educational settings.  Prior experience of working in challenging schools, with a track record of knowing and delivering what is needed to raise standards in such environments, will be crucial to success in this role.  

For further information please visit www.minervasearch.com/haft 

To apply please complete the application form found on Minerva’s website and return with a cover letter of no more than two pages and CV to haft@minervasearch.com

For a confidential conversation please contact haft@minervasearch.com 

This Federation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people as required under the Education Act 2002 and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactorily completing the safer recruitment and other checks outlined in the Haberdashers’ Aske’s Federation Trust recruitment and selection policy. A copy of this policy is available on request.

The closing date for the advertisement is 16 January 2020, but early applications are welcomed.