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Chief Executive, Orchard Hill College Academy Trust
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Chief Executive, Orchard Hill College Academy Trust
Chief Executive
Salary: Competitive
Location: Sutton
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.
The organisation was established under the sponsorship of Orchard Hill College (OHC), a specialist further education provider with a long-standing track record in supporting learners with severe, profound, and complex needs. This partnership has shaped the Trust’s development, embedding a shared commitment to:
- High-quality provision
- Specialist expertise
- Deep understanding of supporting vulnerable young people
Since its inception, OHCAT has grown into a significant Multi-Academy Trust, serving over 2,000 learners with a variety of needs, including:
- Autism
- Speech, language, and communication difficulties
- Social, emotional, and mental health needs
- Complex physical and learning disabilities
As both organisations have expanded, governance and leadership arrangements are evolving to reflect their growth and ambitions. With a move toward dedicated executive leadership for OHCAT (alongside OHC) and a formal partnership agreement, the collaboration remains strong while ensuring mutual support and shared learning.
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About the Role
Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the CEO will provide values-led leadership, shaping the Trust’s future with responsibility for:
- Strategic direction, ensuring strong outcomes for learners
- Financial and organisational sustainability
- Development of a new strategy
- Aligning the operating model with existing strengths while driving innovation
- Strengthening the Trust’s external profile through partnerships and sector engagement
This is a pivotal moment for OHCAT. With a solid reputation built on collaboration with Orchard Hill College, the new CEO will:
- Clarify the Trust’s unique identity
- Enhance its influence
- Position it as a leading voice in SEND and inclusive education
A full job description and application details are available on the recruitment microsite (view here).
Closing Date: 3 August 2026
How to Apply
Applications must include:
- A completed application form (available via the link above)
- A full CV
- A covering letter (maximum two pages) addressing:
- Your motivations for applying
- Relevant experience
- How you meet the person specification criteria
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Your CV should also include two referee details, though these will only be contacted if you proceed to shortlisting – your consent is required beforehand.
Safeguarding & Employment Compliance
Orchard Hill College Academy Trust is committed to:
- Safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults
- Ensuring all staff and volunteers share this responsibility
Applicants will be subject to:
- An Enhanced Disclosure via the DBS
- Post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
As part of OHCAT’s safer recruitment process, we will:
- Request and review references
- Conduct online searches on shortlisted candidates
- Confirm concerns with applicants prior to any recruitment decision
Disability Confident Employer Statement
Orchard Hill College Academy Trust proudly supports:
- A fully inclusive and disability-confident workplace
- Reasonable adjustments for disabled applicants or employees
We aim to:
“create the best outcomes for all, by championing diversity, further building on our reputation as a leading Trust in SEND education”
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