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Chief Executive Officer, Orchard Hill College Academy Trust
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Chief Executive
Salary: Competitive
Location: Sutton
About Orchard Hill College Academy Trust (OHCAT)
Orchard Hill College Academy Trust (OHCAT) is a family of specialist academies supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities across London, Surrey, Sussex, and Berkshire. The Trust operates 13 special schools, alongside integrated support services including therapy and nursing, and a central team covering HR, Finance, IT, and Estates.
OHCAT was established under the sponsorship of Orchard Hill College (OHC), a specialist further education provider with a long-standing reputation for excellence in supporting learners with severe, profound, and complex needs. This founding relationship has shaped the Trust’s development from the outset, embedding a shared commitment to high-quality provision, specialist expertise, and a deep understanding of how to support some of the most vulnerable young people in the education system.
Since its inception, OHCAT has grown into a significant Multi-Academy Trust serving over 2,000 learners with special educational needs and disabilities across London, Surrey, Sussex, and Berkshire. Pupils present with a wide range of needs, including autism, speech, language and communication difficulties, social, emotional and mental health needs, and complex physical and learning disabilities.
Role Overview
As both organisations have matured and expanded, governance and leadership arrangements are evolving to reflect their respective scale and ambitions, with a move toward dedicated executive leadership for each, underpinned by a formal partnership agreement that will sustain the collaboration, shared learning, and mutual support that have defined their relationship.
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Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the CEO will provide clear, values-led leadership, setting strategic direction, ensuring strong outcomes for learners, and maintaining financial and organisational sustainability. The role will lead the development of a new strategy, shape the Trust’s operating model, and strengthen its external profile through effective partnerships and sector engagement. The incoming OHCAT CEO will lead a Trust that is established, well-supported, and confident in its identity — with a close and valued partner in Orchard Hill College.
This is a pivotal moment. As OHCAT moves forward independently, there is a unique opportunity to sharpen its identity, enhance its influence, and position it as a leading voice in SEND and inclusive education.
How To Apply
Applications should consist of:
- A completed application form (Please see below)
- A full CV
- A covering letter (maximum of two pages) outlining your motivations to apply for this role, your relevant experience, and how you meet the criteria of the person specification
Please include details of two referees on your CV, though please note that we will not approach your referees without your prior consent and only should you be shortlisted.
Safeguarding Statement
Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
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Appointments made will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013, and 2020.
In line with the statutory guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education, the Trust will request and review references and carry out online searches on shortlisted candidates prior to interview as part of our safer recruitment process. Any concerns raised will be followed up with the applicant before a recruitment decision is made.
Disability Confident Statement
Orchard Hill College Academy Trust is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for all.
Orchard Hill College Academy Trust endeavour to make any necessary reasonable adjustments to the job and the working environment to enable access to employment opportunities for disabled job applicants or continued employment for any employee who develops a disabling condition.
For further details, please visit our recruitment microsite: https://andersonquigley.com/orchard-hill-college-academy-trust-ceo-cfo/
For a confidential discussion, contact Anderson Quigley:
- Sophie Rees (sophie.rees@andersonquigley.com)
- Paul Aristides (paul.aristides@andersonquigley.com)
Closing Date: 3 August 2026
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