Ark Schools is one of the country’s largest and highest-performing multi-academy trusts, operating 39 primary and secondary schools across Birmingham, Hastings, London and Portsmouth and educating over 30,000 children. With a long-standing commitment to educational equity, Ark Schools consistently delivers exceptional outcomes for pupils, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and is widely recognised as a leading voice in education reform. 

This is a pivotal moment to join the organisation as it enters its next chapter: strengthening inclusion and SEND provision, raising outcomes still further, and growing the network responsibly to maximise impact. Working in close partnership with the CEO of the wider Ark charity, the Chief Executive of Ark Schools will provide strong leadership, ensuring excellent performance across the network while shaping the future direction and growth of one of the UK’s most influential trusts. [

We are seeking an outstanding leader with a proven track record at senior level within education, ideally with experience of leading a complex school organisation or multi-academy trust. You will bring deep expertise in school improvement and educational performance, alongside the financial, governance and regulatory capability required of an Accounting Officer. Comfortable operating at scale, you will combine strategic vision with operational rigour, holding leaders to account while empowering them to innovate and excel. Personally, you will be a values-driven, collaborative and credible ambassador, with excellent communication skills and a clear commitment to educational equity, inclusion and system change. We are looking for leaders who will share and champion Ark’s belief that every child, whatever their background, deserves an excellent education and real choices in life.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Ark Schools on this appointment. For further information about the role, including how to apply, please visit roles.saxbam.com using reference RBZSA. Alternatively, email belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by noon on Tuesday 26^th May 2026.