Chief Executive - Full-time

The Howard Academy Trust

• Ref:KCC-F96-10-L
• Posted:10/02/2026
• Pay:Competitive Salary Package
• Start Date:September 2026
• App Close Date:09/03/2026 at 23:45
• Interviews:17th March 2026

Advert

The Board of Directors at The Howard Academy Trust are seeking an exceptional leader to build on firm foundations and lead the Trust into the next phase of its journey.

The Howard Academy Trust was established in September 2014 and is currently made up of 4 primary, 4 secondary and 1 alternative provision academy across three local authority areas. The trust is in a strong and stable position, with clear strategic direction, secure governance, and a shared commitment to delivering the very best for the children and communities we serve.

We are looking for someone who can combine moral purpose with strategic clarity; someone who understands the complexity of leading a multi-academy trust and can bring people with them through influence, credibility and integrity.

Above all, we are looking for a leader whose values align with ours, someone who believes deeply in the power of education to transform lives and who is committed to public service.

To find out more about this fantastic opportunity and to have a confidential conversation about the position, please contact our retained consultant Ross Laird at rlaird@academicis.co.uk or via 07901 585959.

Information about the federation

The Howard Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.

The Howard Academy Trust is committed to equality, inclusion and diversity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We are committed to providing a mutually supportive working environment where every individual is respected, valued and included.

The Howard Academy Trust started in Autumn 2015 and continues to grow. We currently comprise of 4 secondary and 4 primary academies, and an Alternative Provision, across the South East. We have future growth plans as a Multi Academy Trust with major projects taking place across the organisation. Our overarching aim and vision for our schools is “working together to create a community of successful learners”. In doing this, we will deliver an outstanding education for the children and young people who attend our academies. We endeavour to ensure that all our pupils have access to the highest standards of teaching, resources and opportunities.

The Trust’s role is to oversee the leadership and vision of member schools and to develop effective and supportive partnerships between them. We have a firm belief within the Trust that every child should have access to at least a good education. We are proud that every academy inspected since joining our Trust has remained as a Good school or improved their Ofsted Rating. Both Temple Mill Primary School and Waterfront UTC joined the Trust as sponsored academies and have moved from Special Measures to a Good school on their first inspection. Our schools serve their own community, and each has a unique identity. Being part of this Multi Academy Trust has already provided member schools with practical benefits. We want communities to be proud of their local THAT school and we are determined to make it the first choice for all families.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Human Resources
• Address:South Side Three Road,
  Chatham,
  Kent,
  ME4 4FQ
• Telephone: 01634 265770
• Email: hr@thatrust.org.uk

Fax:

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Candidate Pack