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 nine schools, 725 staff and 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 how the development of enterprising skills can 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 grow, building an exemplary model which allows the Trust to be a leader of local education in each of its three geographies. It is an exciting time to join the Trust and with the appointment of a Chief Growth Officer, the Trust intends to take on new schools in the North West and in London. 

Aldridge Education is seeking a new Trustee to work with the executive team and help shape its organisational strategy and achieve its educational and charitable goals. The Trustee sought will join Aldridge’s high-calibre, engaged and collegial Board which is overseeing the Trust’s exciting trajectory. Informed by their expertise in education or children’s services, the Trustee 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.

The Trust is interested in applicants who have strong leadership experience within the education sector. This could be as an exceptional leader in primary, secondary, or further education as the Trust looks to expand its offering in each of these areas. The Trust is particularly interested in candidates with demonstrable record of school improvement. 

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.

Rob Wye, Chair

Abi Olapade

Janie Chesterton

Frank Hogan

Caroline Sheridan

Jane Waters

This role is unremunerated, and reasonable, pre-agreed domestic travel expenses will be reimbursed. There are five Board meetings annually. This Trustee will also be expected to join the Education Sub-Committee, which meets 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.

Meetings are generally online, but are some are held in person in London. Committee meetings are all online. Candidates will be UK-based.