Danes Educational Trust
Chief Executive Officer
Danes Educational Trust (DET) is a high-performing, values-led multi-academy trust serving communities across Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. With thirteen schools—six primary, six secondary and one university technical college—DET provides exceptional education for more than 9,000 pupils and employs over 1,300 staff.
Our Founding CEO Dr Josephine Valentine OBE is moving on, and we are seeking an inspirational Chief Executive Officer to lead the Trust into its next stage of growth and development. Building on a strong reputation for educational excellence, this is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of a trust that values joy in working, teaching and learning together.
As Chief Executive Officer, you will provide strategic leadership and overall accountability for the success and sustainability of the Trust. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, executive team and headteachers, you will deliver DET’s 2025–2028 Strategic Plan—driving educational excellence and equity, enabling our staff to flourish, sustaining high-performing business functions, and ensuring our work has positive impact beyond our own schools.
You will be a credible, authentic and ambitious leader with a strong record of success in complex educational organisations. You will combine strategic acumen with moral purpose, demonstrating the courage to innovate, the skill to collaborate and the empathy to inspire others. Deeply committed to inclusion, wellbeing and community, you will believe that every child, regardless of their starting point, deserves an exemplary education and the chance to thrive.
In return, we offer a supportive and engaged Board, an exceptional central executive team, and a culture that values optimism, resilience and professional joy. We will also provide a tailored professional development plan and access to high-quality coaching and mentoring.
Danes Educational Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and all staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required.
Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Danes Education Trust on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference RBXDA. Alternatively email Belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by noon on Sunday 4 January 2026.