The Laurus Trust initially developed out of Cheadle Hulme High School, a hugely oversubscribed academy converter with an outstanding reputation, named Secondary School of the Year 2018 at the Greater Manchester Schools Awards. Gorsey Bank Primary School and Trust Hazel Grove High School subsequently joined the Trust in 2016 and September 2019 respectively. Additionally, the Trust has opened four brand new free schools: Cheadle Hulme Primary School, Laurus Cheadle Hulme, Laurus Ryecroft and the most recent in September 2019, Didsbury High School. Most recently, the Trust has been chosen to operate the new primary school at Woodford Garden Village, due to open in September 2022. Collectively the schools are collaborating together to secure the best possible outcomes for all of the 8,000 children in their care.

The Laurus Trust believes that the all-round educational attainment of individual students is substantially promoted by their participation in a whole range of activities, not just classroom-based academic ones. Inspiring students through these activities will enable them to become better motivated, as well as being more respected by their peers. From nursery through to sixth form, the Trust strives to provide the best overall educational experience. It aims for its students to have the choice of accessing the top universities, to have the attitudes and habits to be successful when they get there and the cultural preparation to think, study and lead - or influence those who lead. Access to funding from the Law Family Education Trust (LFET) provides opportunities for all students within the Laurus Trust to have the same access to high-quality extra-curricular enrichment as those students who attend private schools.

Courtesy of its CEO, Linda McGrath, the Laurus Trust has had significant success. The Trust is now looking to scale up and bring on new schools alongside a sustainable growth strategy that does not compromise its high educational standards.

Laurus Trust is a Multi-Academy Trust comprising of primary and secondary schools in Stockport, South Manchester, Tameside and Cheshire East. Trustees and governors play a crucial role working closely with school leaders to provide support, constructive challenge and honest feedback across its schools.

Trustees focus on the three core functions of governance:

1. Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
2. Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the Trust Schools and their students, and the performance management of staff
3. Overseeing and ensuring effective financial performance

As the Laurus Trust prepares for growth, the Board is looking for one or two new Trustees who will bring strategic level experience in operations to round out its existing strong base of skills. The ideal candidate will likely have experience as a Director of Operations, Chief Operations Officer, or in a similar role. They will leverage their experience to provide strategic guidance in addressing the challenges that come with organisational growth and scaling, including advising on best practices in business operations, HR, and administration to support the executive team's growth plans and ensure the academy trust's long-term success.

The Board is open to candidates who have gained this operational experience in a corporate, public sector or charity setting. A passion for education is essential and the Board is particularly interested in candidates with a willingness and personal commitment to contribute to this important role.

No previous non-executive experience is necessary for this position; the new Trustee will have the support of a collaborative and friendly Board, and the Laurus Trust will be happy to provide any necessary training in the on-boarding process.

Information on governance at the Laurus Trust can be found here under the Board Membership section.

Current Trustees on the Board:

Tony Little (Chair)

Dave Brown (Head, CHHS)

Jane Crombleholme 

Dagmar Kershaw 

Ravi Kumar 

Wendy Mason (CFO)

Charles Nevin 

Lisa Woolley (Executive Head, Primary)

Gill Turnpenney

Sally McGill

Alan Gilmour

Members:

Tony Graham

Jenny Clough

Law Family Educational Trust

Maurice Turnpenney

Charles Nevin

This role is unremunerated, and reasonable, pre-agreed travel expenses will be reimbursed. There are five Board meetings per year (two per term) and three Sub-Committee meetings per year. Board meetings are conducted in-person, though Sub-Committee meetings tend to be virtual. Additionally, each Trustee is linked to a department or a discipline across Laurus Trust's schools.

This organisation operates schools based across Stockport, Manchester, Tameside and Cheshire East. Candidates will, therefore be UK-based.

The Laurus Trust welcomes applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. As those from an ethnic minority background are currently under-represented on the Board, applications from those individuals would be particularly encouraged. All appointments will be made on merit, following a fair and transparent process. In line with the Equality Act 2010, however, the organisation may employ positive action where candidates from underrepresented groups can demonstrate their ability to perform the role equally well.