Current Vacancies

Scholars’ Education Trust (SET) is seeking an exceptional leader to join our Executive Team as Senior Co-Chief Executive Officer, guiding our diverse family of schools into the next stage of growth and excellence. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to shape the future of a successful and expanding multi-academy trust.

SET is a cross-phase trust of thirteen schools across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and West Essex, educating nearly 10,000 pupils from nursery through to sixth form.

Our vision is clear: to work collaboratively so that every young person in our care achieves more than they ever believed possible. Our values: Achievement, Care and Excellence (ACE), underpin everything we do.

We are looking for a strategic and inspirational leader who shares our commitment to improving standards and outcomes for all pupils. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of leadership at scale, with the ability to drive educational excellence, foster innovation, and build strong relationships with stakeholders. They will bring the vision and resilience to lead a complex organisation, ensuring sustainability and growth while maintaining the highest standards of governance and accountability.

Salary range: £167,800 to £181,000 (5 point scale)

As Senior Co-CEO, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership across the Trust, working in partnership with Trustees, Headteachers and civic partners.
• Champion educational excellence and inclusion, ensuring every child receives a high-quality education.
• Lead the School Improvement Team and act as the Trust’s Accounting Officer, upholding probity and compliance.
• Shape and deliver a people strategy that attracts, develops and retains outstanding staff.
• Represent SET nationally and locally, influencing policy and promoting our civic mission.

The job description and responsibilities of the current Senior Co-CEO of SET will form the basis of the role. We are, however, willing to be flexible and would be open to a discussion with the successful candidate about the exact scope of the jobs, its responsibilities, and its hours.

You will be supported by a highly experienced Executive Team and a committed Board of Trustees, as well as a collaborative network of schools that share best practice and innovation.

If you are a visionary leader with the ambition to make a lasting impact on thousands of young lives, we would love to hear from you.

For more information about the Trust and the role, please see the Senior Co-CEO Information Pack, including job description and person specification.

Applications

Please download the SET application form.

Applications should be sent to Geoffrey Payne, Chair of the Board of Trustees, via Hazel Wale at h.wale@scholarseducationtrust.co.uk

A conversation with our Chair and/or a visit to our schools can be arranged – please contact Hazel Wale on the above email or call 01727 734420.

Closing date: Friday, 09 January 2026 at 9am

Interview date: WC 02 February 2026