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Chief Financial & Operations Officer (CFOO), Orchard Hill College Academy Trust
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Chief Financial & Operations Officer (CFOO), Orchard Hill College Academy Trust
Chief Financial & Operations Officer (CFOO)
Salary: Competitive
Location: Sutton
About Orchard Hill College Academy Trust
Orchard Hill College Academy Trust (OHCAT) is a family of specialist academies supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) across London, Surrey, Sussex, and Berkshire. The Trust operates:
- 13 special schools
- Integrated support services including therapy and nursing
- Central teams covering HR, Finance, IT, and Estates
OHCAT was established under the sponsorship of Orchard Hill College (OHC), a specialist further education provider renowned for its excellence in supporting learners with severe, profound, and complex needs. This collaboration has shaped Trust’s development, embedding:
- A commitment to high-quality provision
- Specialist expertise
- A deep understanding of supporting vulnerable young people in the education system
Since its inception, OHCAT has grown to serve over 2,000 learners with varied needs, including:
- Autism
- Speech, language and communication difficulties (SLCN)
- Social, emotional, and mental health needs (SEMH)
- Complex physical and learning disabilities
The Trust has evolved governance and leadership arrangements to reflect its scale and ambition, with:
- Dedicated executive leadership for each organisation
- A formal partnership agreement sustaining collaboration and mutual support.
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The Opportunity
We are seeking an outstanding Chief Financial & Operations Officer (CFOO) to join the Executive Senior Leadership Team, playing a pivotal role in shaping OHCAT’s future success.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide leadership for finance, IT, estates, facilities, procurement, risk, and business continuity
- Ensure the environments, systems, and resources underpinning the Trust deliver optimal outcomes for learners with SEND
- Advisor to the CEO and Trustees, providing:
- Financial rigour
- Commercial judgement
- Operational foresight for effective decision-making
- Oversee a £100m turnover, including live capital projects (e.g., a Free School development)
- Manage a diverse estate ranging from state-of-the-art specialist facilities to sites needing long-term investment
- Balance strategic direction with on-site operational challenges
- Drive transformation through significant governance separation
This is a strategically transformative role for an organisation deeply committed to life-changing education—where every decision supports learners’ needs.
Key Details
- Closing Date: 3 August 2026
- Confidential Discussions: Sophie Rees (sophie.rees@andersonquigley.com) or Paul Aristides (paul.aristides@andersonquigley.com)
- Recruitment Microsite: https://andersonquigley.com/orchard-hill-college-academy-trust-ceo-cfo/
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How to Apply
Applications must include:
- A completed application form (provided separately)
- A full CV
- A covering letter (max. two pages) addressing:
- Your motivations for this role
- Relevant experience
- How you meet the person specification criteria
Ensure your CV includes two referee details, though these will only be contacted with your consent if shortlisted.
Important Statements
Safeguarding Commitment
Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust is committed to:
- Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults
- Ensuring all staff and volunteers uphold this commitment
Appointments are subject to:
- Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
- Exemption from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974
- Safer recruitment processes, including:
- Reference checks
- Online searches for shortlisted candidates
- Concerns raised addressed pre-decision
Disability Confident Commitment
We are a Disability Confident Employer and:
- Actively promote an inclusive, supportive workplace
- Offer reasonable adjustments to:
- Job requirements
- Work environment
- Enable access to employment opportunities for disabled applicants or hiring disabled employees
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