Chief Executive Officer

Evolution Academy Trust, Norwich, NR14 7XP

21 days remaining to apply

• Start date details

  Subject to candiate avaliablity

• Closing date

  4 December 2026 at 11:59pm

• Date listed

  13 November 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Other leadership role
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full time equivalent salary: £125,000.00 - £135,000.00 Annually (Actual) (Salary dependent on experience). LGPS - 30 days holiday + bank holidays

Chief Executive Officer job summary

Evolution Academy Trust (EAT) is an ambitious, values-led Multi Academy Trust serving 12 primary schools across Norfolk and Suffolk. Driven by a relentless commitment to improving life chances, we work together to ensure every child receives an exceptional education and the opportunity to thrive.

We are seeking an inspirational and visionary Chief Executive Officer to lead the next chapter of EAT's journey. This is a rare opportunity to build on a strong and successful foundation, shape the future direction of a high-performing trust, and create a lasting legacy for thousands of children, young people and the communities we serve.

As the Trust's leader, Accounting Officer and ambassador, the CEO will champion excellence across every aspect of the organisation, inspiring colleagues, empowering leaders and fostering a culture where both pupils and staff can flourish. The CEO will be responsible for ensuring educational excellence, strong governance, financial sustainability, and organisational effectiveness, while maintaining an unwavering focus on securing the very best outcomes for every child.

Working in close partnership with the Trust Board, Leadership Team, school leaders and wider stakeholders, the CEO will provide strategic vision, build trusted relationships and lead the successful delivery of EAT's ambitions. They will ensure the Trust remains innovative, resilient and values-driven, positioning EAT as a sector-leading organisation that makes a profound difference to the lives of children and families across our region

Given the strategic importance of this appointment, candidates should expect a multi-stage selection process, as follows:

• Expressions of interest, including CV submitted to Lisa Brockett L.brockett@evolutionacademytrust.org.uk. For an informal discussion about the role contact Suzanne Lightwing-Smith on 01603 981219.
• Initial candidate review, to include a brief meeting (via Teams or Face to Face) and longlisting
• Longlisted candidates will be invited to submit a formal application via MyNewTerm
• Formal interview with the selection panel, including a presentation
• Final interview(s) with the Board of Trustees

The Trust reserves the right to adapt the process as appropriate to ensure the successful candidate is able to demonstrate the leadership, strategic, and cultural capabilities required for the role.

Closing date 4th December, we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date should an exceptional candidate be found. Candidates are therefore strongly encouraged to submit expressions of interest at the earliest opportunity.

Evolution Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. To this end, you will be required to undergo pre‐employment checks, including a social media search. This post will come under the requirements of the Childcare (Disqualification) 2009 Regulations and a successful applicant would be required to complete a declaration form to establish whether they are disqualified under these regulations. An enhanced DBS check will be required.

Why work for us?

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applications from all backgrounds, including those with protected characteristics under the Equality Act. We’re open to flexible working arrangements for roles where suitable. Please include your preferred working hours in your application for consideration.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Applying for the job

This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

About Evolution Academy Trust

• Type: Multi-academy trust
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/evolution-academy-trust

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