SENIOR CO-CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER – Scholars’ Education Trust

Location: Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and West Sussex

Salary: Salary range: £167,800 to £181,000 (5 point scale)

Job Start Date: September 2026

Job Term: Permanent

Closing Date: Friday, 09 January 2026 at 9am

Scholars’ Education Trust (SET) is seeking an exceptional leader to join our Executive Team as Senior Co-
Chief Executive Officer, guiding our diverse family of schools into the next stage of growth and excellence.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to shape the future of a successful and expanding multi-academy
trust.

SET is a cross-phase trust of thirteen schools across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and West Essex,
educating nearly 10,000 pupils from nursery through to sixth form.
Our vision is clear: to work collaboratively so that every young person in our care achieves more than they
ever believed possible. Our values: Achievement, Care and Excellence (ACE), underpin everything we do.
We are looking for a strategic and inspirational leader who shares our commitment to improving
standards and outcomes for all pupils. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of
leadership at scale, with the ability to drive educational excellence, foster innovation, and build strong
relationships with stakeholders. They will bring the vision and resilience to lead a complex organisation,
ensuring sustainability and growth while maintaining the highest standards of governance and
accountability.

As Senior Co-CEO, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership across the Trust, working in partnership with Trustees, Headteachers
  and civic partners.
• Champion educational excellence and inclusion, ensuring every child receives a high-quality
  education.
• Lead the School Improvement Team and act as the Trust’s Accounting Officer, upholding probity
  and compliance.
• Shape and deliver a people strategy that attracts, develops and retains outstanding staff.
• Represent SET nationally and locally, influencing policy and promoting our civic mission.
• The job description and responsibilities of the current Senior Co-CEO of SET will form the basis of the role.
  We are, however, willing to be flexible and would be open to a discussion with the successful candidate
  about the exact scope of the jobs, its responsibilities, and its hours.
  You will be supported by a highly experienced Executive Team and a committed Board of Trustees, as well
  as a collaborative network of schools that share best practice and innovation.
  If you are a visionary leader with the ambition to make a lasting impact on thousands of young lives, we
  would love to hear from you.
  For more information about the Trust and the role, please see the Senior Co-CEO Information Pack, including
  job description and person specification.
  

Please download the SET application form from our website: Current Vacancies – Scholars Education Trust
Applications should be sent to Geoffrey Payne, Chair of the Board of Trustees, via Hazel Wale at
h.wale@scholarseducationtrust.co.uk.

A conversation with our Chair and/or a visit to our schools can be arranged – please contact Hazel Wale on
the above email or call 01727 734420.

Closing date: Friday, 09 January 2026 at 9am

Interview date: WC 02 February 2026