Chief Executive Officer

Wakefield City Academies Trust (WCAT) is a Multi Academy sponsor specialising in the development of academies to outstanding and beyond, which sets high standards in every aspect of its work, providing pupils with access to opportunities through outstanding teaching and inspirational leadership.

WCAT believes that all young people, regardless of their background or ability, can achieve high standards and prosper in outstanding education establishments and has developed strategies to meet these aspirations, supporting the development of children, young adults and staff who are equipped with the knowledge and skills to thrive in the midst of exponential change.

The WCAT Board are seeking to appoint an exceptional permanent Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The CEO will be responsible for the development of Trust-wide strategies and action plans for the improvement of educational standards and governance across the Trust; to be the ‘holder of the flame’ of the visions and values of WCAT and to ensure the communication of these externally, as well as to Trust staff, to secure educational success through effective strategic planning and execution.

Through inspirational leadership and rigorous policy development the CEO will create a culture of constant improvement, implementing effective systems of organisation and control and high levels of professional standards to secure the highest possible achievement for all in every aspect of the Trust’s provision.

• to develop our capacity to generate and share knowledge and best practice to raise educational aspirations and outcomes
• to work effectively with other organisations and stakeholders, where such partnerships can contribute to the delivery of outstanding teaching and learning
• to enhance structures for collaboration across WCAT and its portfolio of academies
• to ensure, through a commitment to the personal education of each pupil, a quality of education and experience which enables pupils to apply the values, skills, and intellectual disciplines they have acquired in their future lives and careers
• to contribute effectively to the cultural, social and economic life of our academies’ communities and their surrounding regions
• to recruit and retain the best staff and ensure that all have equality of opportunity in recruitment, personal development, and career progression in all areas of employment within WCAT.

In order to apply for this position, please submit the following completed application forms:

• Application form
• Equality & Diversity form

We also ask that you submit a supporting statement that sets out the reasons for your interest in the role and how you meet the required criteria, with evidence of impact from your career track record.

Please include in your statement your thoughts on where you see the future for multi academy trusts.

Your supporting statement should be no longer than three sides of A4.

Application closing date: Monday, 06 February 2017

Completed applications should be returned by email to: admin@wcatrust.org. All applications will be acknowledged within 24 hours. Should you fail to receive a confirmation, please call 01924 802512.

Please ensure that your application accounts for any gaps in employment.

Please include the names and addresses of two professional referees (one of which must be your current employer). Referees will not be approached until the final stages of the process.

Assessment day and formal interview will be concluded during week commencing Monday 20 February 2017

If you have any questions regarding the role, or would like to arrange a visit to one of the academies, please do not hesitate to get in touch by calling Jacqui Webb, Chief Operating Officer, 01924 802512, or by e-mail jwebb@wcatrust.org