Keys Academies Trust is entering an important new chapter. As we prepare for a proposed merger with Thomas Deacon Education Trust in January 2027, we are seeking a Chief Executive Officer who can lead with purpose, discipline and a strong understanding of education leadership across diverse communities.
This is an opportunity to shape the future of a growing Trust rooted in Peterborough, while leading an organisation focused on strong life chances for all children.
About Keys Academies Trust
Keys Academies Trust is a family of five academies serving west Peterborough. Formed in 2018 from a long-standing partnership between Jack Hunt School and a group of primary schools, the Trust has grown through collaboration, shared accountability and a commitment to consistent improvement.
Each school retains its own identity and community relationships while contributing to shared Trust priorities. Our mission is simple: unlocking potential so that children can progress and participate.
We focus on:
* Belonging, participation and achievement
* Strong leadership and consistent practice
* Shared expertise across schools
* High standards of behaviour, conduct and professionalism
* Creating environments where pupils can contribute and thrive
Our values of inclusiveness, kindness and hard work guide how we lead and work together.
About the Role
The Chief Executive Officer will lead Keys Academies Trust through its next phase of development and proposed merger with Thomas Deacon Education Trust.
The CEO will:
* Provide strategic, operational and civic leadership across the Trust
* Act as Accounting Officer and ensure statutory, regulatory and financial compliance
* Lead across education, finance, estates, governance, operations, HR, safeguarding and risk
* Work closely with headteachers to support and challenge school leaders
* Strengthen systems, infrastructure and organisational capacity
* Build strong relationships with local authorities, health partners, community organisations and neighbouring trusts
* Represent the Trust across Peterborough and Cambridgeshire
* Lead the organisation through merger planning, integration and cultural alignment
* Shape the long‑term strategy, culture and organisational model of the merged 12‑school Trust
This role requires someone who can balance strategic thinking with operational discipline while maintaining a strong connection to the communities our schools serve.
Who We Are Looking For
We are seeking an experienced senior leader with:
* Significant strategic leadership experience within a complex organisation
* A strong understanding of multi‑school leadership and organisational systems
* Experience leading senior specialists across education, finance, operations, estates and people
* The ability to strengthen accountability, performance and sustainable improvement across multiple sites
* Experience of organisational growth, integration or cultural change at scale
* Strong financial and operational leadership skills
* An understanding of governance and working effectively with Boards
* Excellent relationship‑building and partnership skills
You will understand the varied cultural and economic characteristics of Peterborough’s communities and how these influence leadership, curriculum, inclusion and support.
You will also know how to create alignment across schools without removing school identity.
Why Join Us?
This merger represents a significant opportunity to create a stronger organisation serving a wider range of communities across Peterborough and Cambridgeshire.
The combined Trust would bring together:
* 12 schools across multiple phases
* Increased organisational capacity
* Greater opportunities for collaboration and shared improvement
* Stronger civic influence across the region
We are committed to building a Trust that is sustainable, coherent and able to support more schools in the future while remaining a strong community anchor.
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