Aldridge Education is a multi-academy trust of entrepreneurial academy schools located in three clusters – London, Brighton and the North West. Launched in 2006, the Trust now has eight schools plus an adult education provider, which collectively employ 725 staff and serve over 5,000 students. Sir Rod Aldridge, who founded Capita Group and transformed it from a start-up to a FTSE 100 company, established the Trust and its ambition is to provide young people from disadvantaged communities with a high quality of education. In particular, it recognises the importance of a holistic education and the development of enterprising skills to support academic performance and better prepare young people for employment and later life.

The Trust is passionate about serving local communities and transforming lives through entrepreneurial education. It is distinctive for its educational breadth and geographic range with schools in the North West of England as well as in Brighton and London.

Aldridge Education is also ambitious and seeks to build an exemplary model in which the Trust acts as a leader of local education in each of its three geographies. Growth is very much on the agenda with new schools expected to join the Trust in London and the North West, making this an exciting time to be joining the Board. 

Aldridge Education is seeking new Trustees to work with the executive team and help shape its organisational strategy and achieve its educational and charitable goals. The Trustees sought will join Aldridge’s high-calibre, engaged and collegial Board which is overseeing the Trust’s exciting trajectory. Informed by their expertise in educational leadership, the Trustees will scrutinise educational outcomes at the Trust, providing challenge and advice to fellow Trustees and the executive team as appropriate.

Trustees are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of Aldridge Education, its financial health, the development of its aims and objectives, and ensuring compliance with the Trust’s charitable objects and with company and charity law. Trustees will act as advocates for the Trust's work.

Trustee (Education)

The Trust is interested in applicants who have strong, successful leadership experience within the education sector and a track record of delivering educational improvement. This could be as an exceptional leader in primary, secondary, or further education, and candidates with either an academic or a pastoral (particularly attendance and welfare) specialism are encouraged to apply. 

Aldridge Education uses a robust school improvement model based upon instructional coaching and is looking for an experienced educationalist who endorses this approach to support the Trust as it seeks to grow both in stature and in size.

Trustee (Finance / Audit / Risk)

The Trust has two different profiles in mind for these appointments. The first is a qualified accountant with senior strategic-level experience within the finance function of a large, complex organisation. The second is someone with specific experience in audit and risk. The Trust is due to launch an Audit and Risk Committee later this year, and so someone who has sat on such a Board committee previously would be highly valued. 

Individuals who have not previously held non-executive roles are welcome to apply, provided they understand the governance role and how it differs from executive leadership. The Trust is particularly interested in individuals who may be open to taking on Board leadership roles, at either the Committee- or Board-level.  

A full list of current Board members can be found here. 

This role is unremunerated, however reasonable, pre-agreed domestic travel expenses will be reimbursed. There are five Board meetings annually which take place in-person at an Aldridge school. This Trustee will also be expected to join the Education Sub-Committee, which meets online three or four times per year. There is also a Board Development Day. The appointment is for a four-year term, which can be renewed once at the discretion of the Board.

Candidates should be UK-based and able to commit to attending in-person the five full Board meetings, which take place at a different Aldridge school each time. Committee meetings are virtual.