Chief Executive Officer – Ad Astra Academy Trust

Education Week Jobs; North East; Hybrid; GBP 130,000 - 149,000; Full time

Job summary

Ad Astra Academy Trust seeks a strategic Chief Executive Officer to lead a Trust of ten diverse primary schools in the Tees Valley and County Durham. The role requires a strong vision for education, with experience of managing large multi-site organisations and driving school improvement.

The successful candidate will lead 500 staff and 3,000 pupils, shaping a long-term plan to sustain excellence in teaching, inclusion and learning outcomes across the Trust.

Job description

Salary Range £129,733 - £148,829
Permanent, to commence 1st September 2027.

Ad Astra is an Academy Trust made up of ten diverse primary schools across the Tees Valley and County Durham.

As the current Chief Executive Officer retires, the Trust Board now seeks to appoint a talented individual to lead the Trust forward.

The ideal candidate will be someone with significant experience within the Education Sector, with successful, demonstrable recent experience and achievement.

The Trust are seeking a strategic leader, who has the ability to maintain focus on the long-term issues by developing and holding a vision and strategic view. A leader who can harness the skills and enthusiasm of 500 employees and 3,000 pupils.

Ad Astra has a strong reputation for school improvement, developing staff and providing an increasingly personalised offer for the pupils who attend our schools, the Trust works hard to ensure that the children who attend our schools love learning and do well.

The key to Ad Astra is the core principles of excellence in teaching and learning, inclusion and developing a love of learning. This is a rare opportunity, with a chance to shape lives, and lead meaningful change.
Candidates are asked to demonstrate their skills and experience that they will bring to the post.

Please take a moment to view our short promotional video of the role

The closing date for applications: 9am, Monday 2nd November 2026

The selection process will be held on both Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th November.

Ad Astra Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As such the successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check.

This post is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (2013 and 2020).