Chief Education Officer (Deputy CEO) | Romero Catholic Academy Trust

Peridot Partners; Padiham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in Padiham is seeking a Chief Education Officer to oversee the educational standards and strategy across its schools. The role involves leading performance improvement initiatives, working closely with headteachers and senior leaders, and ensuring compliance with regulatory inspections. Ideal candidates will have a strong track record in educational leadership, a deep understanding of Catholic education, and the capability to inspire and develop leadership talent.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of educational leadership across multiple schools.
• Experience working with boards and reporting on performance.
• Ability to provide constructive feedback and manage underperformance.

Responsibilities

• Lead the performance and improvement of all schools.
• Ensure compliance with Ofsted and Catholic Schools inspections.
• Support executive decision-making on staffing and budgets.

Skills

Leadership in education improvement

Communication with governors and boards

Performance accountability

Recruitment and talent development

Preparation for Ofsted inspections

Education

Catholic education understanding

Job description

Chief Education Officer (Deputy CEO) – Romero Catholic Academy Trust

A Catholic family of schools in the Diocese of Salford working together so every child can flourish in faith, learning, and life.

• Location: Padiham – with regular travel to sites across Lancashire
• Trust: Romero Catholic Academy Trust – 16 schools (12 primary, 4 secondary) across Lancashire, Blackburn with Darwen and Calderdale

About the Trust

Our purpose is to improve outcomes, broaden experiences and enhance the life chances of every child and young person. We are guided by the values of Faith, Service, Aspiration and Collaboration, inspired by the legacy of Saint Oscar Romero.

Role Overview

The Chief Education Officer is the most senior education role in the Trust, responsible for strategy, standards, Catholic life and curriculum across all schools. Reporting to the CEO, you will deputise for the CEO when required and play a central role in shaping the Trust’s direction.

Responsibilities

• Lead the performance of all schools, working with headteachers and senior leaders to secure improvement.
• Monitor outcomes, set priorities and implement plans that raise standards and strengthen provision.
• Ensure schools are well‐prepared for Ofsted and Catholic Schools Inspectorate inspections, maintaining consistency in worship, Religious Education and Catholic life.
• Co‑ordinate the education strategy with the wider organisational plan, reporting to the Board on performance, managing risk and deploying resources.
• Recruit, develop and support leaders, building capacity across schools and creating pathways for professional development.
• Partner with the Diocese of Salford and wider Catholic networks to keep the Trust outward‑looking and aligned with diocesan priorities.
• Provide operational leadership on staffing, budgets and services, supporting executive decision‑making.

Qualifications and Experience

• Proven track record of leading improvement across schools, ideally in more than one setting.
• Experience of working with governors, trustees or boards and reporting clearly on performance and risk.
• Strong evidence of holding others to account, giving honest feedback and managing underperformance constructively.
• Capable of recruiting and growing leadership talent, building capacity and delivering professional development.
• Expertise in preparing schools for Ofsted and Catholic Schools Inspectorate inspections (advantage).
• Deep understanding of Catholic education and the ability to demonstrate faith in leadership (reserved post under Canon Law).
• Practicing Catholic with a commitment to faith and to leading by example.

Values & Commitment to Equality

Romero Catholic Academy Trust is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment; safeguarding and welfare of children and young people are paramount. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.

Application Process

For further information or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advisory consultant at Peridot Partners: Eddie Caviezel Cox, CEO (email: [e-mail]).

To formally apply, submit a CV and supporting statement (2 A4 pages maximum) that addresses the criteria above, using the subject line ‘Application: Romero Catholic Academy Trust – Chief Education Officer’ and emailing to [e-mail]. All submissions will be handled with strict confidentiality in line with the Data Protection Act 2018.