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Vacancy summary Growing out of one of the country's first Free Schools - West London Free School - Knowledge Schools Trust is a nine-school academy trust comprising seven primary schools - four of which are rated Outstanding by Ofsted - and two secondary schools. The trust has grown steadily, adding new Free Schools and sponsored converter schools; it took on two schools when Bedford College Academies Trust closed and merged into KST in 2024. The trust's schools thus span West London, Bedford and adjacent areas. The trust supports 3,850 learners and has 510 staff. Its annual grant income from the DfE is c.£33m. The trust is recruiting to two roles, the first of which requires a senior leader from the education sector, possessing with strategic leadership expertise across multiple, complex settings. The ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience in secondary education and support improvement across, for example, an academy trust, possessing evidence of working in school improvement and/or leadership across several schools at the same time. Trust Executives, those that have been in curriculum or pastoral training roles, specialists in behaviour and/or attendance management, SEND expertise or those that have worked for school improvement companies or LA school improvement teams could be ideal, while knowledge of the Ofsted inspection framework may be beneficial. The successful candidate will join, and prospectively take the Chair, in time, of the Secondary Education, Curriculum & Outcomes (ECO) committee, contributing to school improvement and educational excellence. Skills • Education • Special Educational Needs & Disabilities • Strategic Leadership/Change Management Establishment Information Type of establishment: Multi-academy trust Usual start time of meeting: 6pm What does the role include? These roles have a dual function – as well as operating as a trustee of the academy trust as a charity, volunteers are classed as Non-Executive Directors, listed on Companies House and subject to company law. You’ll be responsible for contributing to the strategic decision-making of the board, helping the trust to realise immediate and long-term goals, and ultimately ensuring transparency, accountability and, challenge. Board governance in education is considered a strategic, 'eyes on, hands off' commitment, requiring that you give up to eight hours per month of your time - though this can vary depending on the opportunity - and attend up to six meetings across a 12-month period, alongside any additional school visits required by the role. The key functions of the board are: • Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction • Holding executive leaders to account – both for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils and the effective and efficient performance management of staff • Overseeing the organisation’s financial performance and ensuring its funds are directed to the best possible educational outcomes for young people. What are the benefits? Volunteering on an academy trust board is a meaningful way to shape young people’s futures and strengthen education in your community. Trustees play a vital role in setting strategic direction and holding executive leaders to account — ensuring schools deliver the best outcomes. Alongside making a tangible impact, you’ll gain valuable experience in senior-level decision-making. This is a great opportunity to support your career development, build a non-executive portfolio, and give back to education. Further information: You can also find out more public information about the Trust on the Get Information About Schools Page https://get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/Groups/Group/Details/5271 The following webpage also provide useful information and reading to any potential trustee: https://governorsforschools.org.uk/trs/resources-for-academy-trustees/ If you have any questions before applying, please contact our Trustee Recruitment Team on [email protected] Trustee/Director W6 0LB Can’t find your next role? We have thousands more on our system. Complete a general application and we’ll match you with the right opportunity. Have a board vacancy? We help schools and academy trusts build exceptional boards. Explore our services below to find the right fit for your recruitment needs.