Chief Executive Officer – Affinity Learning Partnership

Location: Burton-upon-Trent

Salary: Competitive

Job Start Date: 

Job Term: Full time, Permanent

Closing Date: 17 April 2026 @ 9am

Affinity Learning Partnership is a values-led organisation with a clear purpose: where everyone belongs, progresses and thrives. We educate over 5,500 pupils aged 3–19 across seven schools and employ more than 650 staff. We are proud to be a great place to work, with a strong commitment to partnership, inclusion and continuous improvement.

Due to the retirement of our current Chief Executive Officer, we are now seeking an exceptional leader to guide the next stage of development for our growing multi-academy trust.

As Chief Executive Officer, you will provide clear strategic leadership across the Trust. You will work closely with the Board to deliver our vision, strengthen our culture and ensure that every school continues to improve and succeed.

You will place the quality of education at the centre of all decision-making. Leading with clarity and ambition, you will support leaders and staff to perform at their best while fostering a culture of innovation, accountability and care.

As Accounting Officer, you will ensure strong financial stewardship. You will oversee the effective use of resources, ensuring compliance, sustainability and value for money.

You will have overall responsibility for Trust operations, performance and growth. This includes safeguarding, risk management, and the delivery of the Trust’s strategic plan. You will also play a key role in developing governance, working closely with the Board and building strong relationships with stakeholders at the local, regional and national level.

The CEO role involves acting as an ambassador for the Trust, requiring an ability to communicate with confidence and integrity, engaging staff, pupils, families and partners while promoting the Trust’s work more widely.

We are searching for someone who will bring a strong track record of senior leadership, ideally within education. You will be a strategic thinker with sound financial acumen and experience of leading complex organisations. You will be committed to developing people, building partnerships and driving high standards.

Values-driven, resilient and forward-thinking, you will champion equality, safeguard pupils and ensure that the Trust continues to make a meaningful difference to its communities.

Why Work for Affinity?

At Affinity, we pride ourselves on being a great place to work, a workplace where everyone belongs, progresses, and thrives. We recognise that our colleagues are our greatest asset, and we are committed to ensuring they feel valued, supported, and empowered.

As a Trust, we are privileged to employ inspirational people who make a positive difference every day. In return, we continually strengthen our offer of a supportive, inclusive, and ambitious working environment, one that promotes mental and physical wellbeing, builds confidence, and fosters pride across our organisation.

Our People Strategy

Our People Strategy is built around three core pillars:

Belongs – Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We cultivate an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity, champions equality, and ensures all staff feel respected, valued, and genuinely part of our community.

Progresses – Staff Development and CPD

Our Professional Growth Model empowers colleagues to take ownership of their development. Our strong investment in CPD sets us apart and ensures every colleague has the opportunity to grow and succeed.

Thrives – Wellbeing

We know that mental and physical wellbeing are essential to feeling supported and performing well. That’s why we place strong emphasis on creating an environment where colleagues feel healthy, valued, and able to thrive.

What Are The Benefits of Joining Affinity?

• Investment in your professional development and CPD through our Professional Growth Model
• Removal of performance-related pay
• A commitment to dignity and respect in the workplace
• Opportunities for collaborative working through leadership and staff networks
• A Trust-wide approach to reducing workload
• Wellbeing initiatives supported by our Wellbeing Champion Network

In addition to these core benefits, we also provide an excellent wider package that includes:

• Employee Assistance Programme and mental health support services
• Access to Benenden Health’s self-pay private healthcare service
• Discounted gym membership with Everyone Active
• Cycle to Work scheme
• BHSF health cash plan
• Eye care vouchers
• Flu vaccination vouchers

To Apply

Please note that we do not hold a sponsorship licence and, therefore, are unable to employ individuals residing outside of the UK or candidates living within the UK who require continued sponsorship to work in the UK.

To arrange an informal discussion about the role, please contact Laura McGunigle at Satis Education on 07931 384683 or email Laura@satiseducation.co.uk.

To apply, please visit our careers page: affinitylp.co.uk/125/current-vacancies

Closing date: 17th April 2026.

Shortlisting date: 20th April 2026.

Interview dates: 27th and 28th April 2026.

We welcome a broad range of perspectives with a commitment to equality of opportunity by recruiting a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment and a culture of belonging for everyone in Affinity Learning Partnership. Therefore, we encourage applications from underrepresented communities irrespective of age, disability, race, religion and belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, marriage or civil partnership status, or neurodivergent status. We are happy to make reasonable adjustments wherever possible through the recruitment process, should this be required.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and this position is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

All applicants must be able to provide documentation to prove their right to work in the UK.