About This Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an exceptional and values-driven Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the White Rose Academies Trust into its next phase of development. We are a Trust of four schools in Leeds (three Secondary and one Primary) that is committed to delivering a high-quality education for all pupils. Ours are great schools. We care passionately about them. We want the best for every one of our students now and on into the years to come. We serve diverse communities with rich histories and heritages. We are proud of our staff, our school leaders, our communities and our students. This pivotal leadership role offers you the opportunity to lead and to influence the life chances of every young person across every one of our schools.
This moment represents a significant point in the Trust’s evolution, as we enter a new era with a refreshed vision, renewed ambition, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, inclusion, and community. We enjoy a number of key strategic partnerships in the city of Leeds that deliver substantial Value Adds for our students, staff and communities. Your job will be to develop these partnerships even further to secure The White Rose Academies Trust and its schools at the heart of the citywide drive for achievement and positive destinations on behalf of every young person. We are seeking an inspiring and strategic system leader who can, alongside our Board and community of professionals, shape the future direction of the Trust and drive sustained improvement across all areas of performance.
The CEO will provide strong moral and ethical leadership for our organisation. You will be a role model, exemplar and a leader of culture. Integrity, fairness, empathy, respect and responsibility-taking are important to us. We are looking for a leader who has the commitment, strength of character and professional attributes to live their values within a relational and trauma informed environment. You will be a champion for equality, inclusion, diversity and wellbeing and for those whose voices are sometimes least heard. The CEO will be responsible for the educational excellence, organisational effectiveness, and long-term sustainability of the Trust. As Accounting Officer, the CEO will ensure that the highest standards of governance, financial stewardship, and public accountability are maintained, working closely with Trustees and the Executive Team to deliver the best possible outcomes for pupils and staff.
This is an exceptional opportunity to lead a thriving organisation with committed teams, a collaborative culture, and a shared ambition to improve lives through education.
As CEO, you will: Bring vision, strategic leadership and operational know-how to secure a compelling long-term future for the Trust.
Take executive responsibility for educational performance, improvement, and standards across all academies.
Build strong, transparent, and effective relationships with Trustees and Local Accountability Boards, ensuring robust governance and accountability.
Act as the Trust’s Accounting Officer, ensuring compliance, value for money, and financial integrity.
Lead and develop high-performing teams, strengthening organisational capacity and culture.
Champion safeguarding, equality, inclusion, and the wellbeing of pupils and staff.
Build strong and effective relationships based on reciprocal trust with pupils, parents / carers, families, communities, employers and external agencies.
Represent the Trust confidently across local, regional, and national forums, strengthening partnerships and influence.
Bring vision, strategic leadership and operational know-how to secure a compelling long-term future for the Trust.
Take executive responsibility for educational performance, improvement, and standards across all academies.
Build strong, transparent, and effective relationships with Trustees and Local Accountability Boards, ensuring robust governance and accountability.
Act as the Trust’s Accounting Officer, ensuring compliance, value for money, and financial integrity.
Lead and develop high-performing teams, strengthening organisational capacity and culture.
Champion safeguarding, equality, inclusion, and the wellbeing of pupils and staff.
Build strong and effective relationships based on reciprocal trust with pupils, parents / carers, families, communities, employers and external agencies.
Represent the Trust confidently across local, regional, and national forums, strengthening partnerships and influence.
The ideal candidate will have:
Significant senior leadership experience at Trust, group, or system level within education.
A strong track record of securing high-quality teaching, learning, and improved outcomes, particularly in challenging contexts.
Deep knowledge of multi-academy trust governance, school improvement, financial oversight, risk management, and regulatory responsibilities.
Excellent strategic thinking, communication, and relationship-building skills.
The ability to lead with integrity, emotional intelligence, and resilience, inspiring confidence across diverse stakeholders.
A commitment to inclusion, collaboration, and the core values of the Trust.
To find out more about this career-defining opportunity and for details on how to apply, please visit:https://whiterose.our-careers.co.uk/. You can contact our recruitment partners, Propelo on 01273 222 877 or via email at whiterose@propelo.co.uk. Closing date for applications: Tuesday 14th April (Midday) Interviews: Wednesday 22nd and Thursday 23rd April