Rob Haring is stepping down as chief executive officer of Westcountry Schools Trust at the end of the year, Tes can confirm.
He has led the 31-school trust, which has schools in Devon, Plymouth and Cornwall, since it was founded in 2011. He will retire on 31 December 2025.
Mr Haring began his teaching career in 1988 as a maths teacher in Watford, before working as a headteacher in both Worcestershire and Devon.
He also served as chair of both the National Headteachers’ Strategy Group for the Youth Sports Trust and Plymouth Strategic Education Group and as a director for Leading Schools South West.
‘Immensely proud’
In September 2022, Mr Haring was awarded an honorary fellowship from the University of Worcester for his contributions to education.
Westcountry Schools Trust was founded after Ivybridge Community College, where Mr Haring was principal, academised in the autumn of 2010, with a primary school joining the following year.
He told Tes that his decision to step down was made after “careful consideration and reflection”.
“I have had the privilege of working with a remarkable team dedicated to improving our schools and enhancing the educational experience of the children in our care,” he said.
“I have witnessed the growth and development of our schools, and I am immensely proud of the achievements we have accomplished together.”
Mr Haring expressed his “deepest gratitude to colleagues for their support, collaboration and dedication throughout my tenure”.
He added: “It has been an honour to work alongside such talented and passionate individuals. I am confident that the team will continue to thrive and take the trust further forward.”
Carl Atkinson, chair of Westcountry Schools Trust, called Mr Haring an “incredibly enthusiastic, motivated and dynamic leader” and said it will be “no easy task” to replace him.
He added: “His leadership has been pivotal in shaping Westcountry Schools Trust’s growth and success, leaving it in an excellent place for his successor.
“While we are deeply saddened to see Rob retire, and I personally will miss the respectful and collaborative partnership we have built in a short time, we are profoundly grateful for his contributions.”
Westcountry Schools Trust is now seeking to appoint a new CEO to replace Mr Haring.
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