The Sovereign Trust
Chief Executive Officer
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Chief Executive Officer
The Sovereign Trust
Lead with purpose. Inspire excellence. Transform lives.
The Sovereign Trust is seeking an exceptional leader to become our next Chief Executive Officer.
Following the retirement of our highly respected CEO, Paul Eckley, this is a rare opportunity to lead a thriving specialist Multi-Academy Trust dedicated to transforming the lives of children and young people with special educational needs.
Our Vision
"To be a centre of excellence for learning and development for pupils with special educational needs."
We are a family of schools that believe that by learning and growing together, we can inspire children and young people to achieve their highest personal achievements whilst enjoying individualised, innovative and creative teaching and learning.
Today, The Sovereign Trust comprises seven specialist academies and provisions, supporting more than 900 pupils and students across Greater Manchester, each united by our shared values of Respect, Integrity, Opportunity, Community and Enjoyment. This is much more than a CEO role.
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As Chief Executive Officer and Accounting Officer, you will provide strategic leadership across the Trust, working closely with an experienced Board of Trustees to shape our next chapter. You will lead educational excellence, strengthen our organisational culture, develop future leaders and ensure the highest standards of governance, financial stewardship and public accountability.
We're looking for an inspiring and values-led leader who can:
- Drive exceptional educational outcomes for children and young people with SEND
- Lead strategic school improvement across a growing Trust
- Champion inclusion, innovation and collaboration
- Build strong partnerships across education, health and local communities
- Develop outstanding leaders and high-performing teams
- Provide visible, ethical and compassionate leadership
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Whether you are already leading a Multi-Academy Trust or are an experienced Executive Headteacher, Principal or senior system leader ready to take the next step, we would love to hear from you.
If you are passionate about making a lasting difference to the lives of children and young people and want to lead an ambitious, values-driven organisation with a clear moral purpose, we encourage you to apply.
- Closing Date: 30 September 2026
- Download the Recruitment Pack and application details via our website.
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