Established in 2010 to work in England’s post-industrial and coastal towns and cities, Creative Education Trust is now a network of 17 schools educating over 13,500 children and young people. A non-profit educational charity recognised by the Department for Education as one of the leading multi-academy groups, Creative Education Trust comprises 11 secondary academies and six primary academies across the Midlands and East Norfolk. Creative Education Trust has successfully transformed schools previously deemed to be inadequate into good ones in order that all its students can have the best start in life.

All Creative Education Trust schools are non-selective and their demographic is that of the communities they serve. Focused on the quality of the educational experience it provides for its students, the Trust is committed to providing educational opportunities for children of all abilities and to building cultural capital through a wide range of co-curricular activities. Curricular innovation through its Knowledge Connected programmes promotes creative, integrated and proactive thinking so that our students are equipped for the challenges of the 21st century.

As conditions return to normal, Creative Education Trust plans to expand the number of academies in the network to around 25 in the medium term whilst simultaneously strengthening performance and focussing on research-led pedagogy. This growth will allow Creative Education Trust schools to collaborate more effectively and develop imaginative new ways of delivering education, whilst preserving the ‘bespoke’ approach they currently offer. The Trust's aim is to develop a network of like-minded and ambitious schools which are a beacon for the local communities in which they operate. 

The Board has responsibility for the strategic oversight of all aspects of the work of Creative Education Trust’s Executive Directors and the appointment and performance of the Principals and Head Teachers of the group’s schools. All statutory and fiduciary duties of governance reside with the Board, while more detailed oversight of particular areas is undertaken by the Estates and Property, Safeguarding, People and Remuneration, Education Standards, Finance, and Audit and Risk Committees. A range of local responsibilities is currently delegated to school Academy Councils.

As it grows and furthers its aims to positively impact more disadvantaged students, Creative Education Trust seeks two new Non-Executive Directors, one with expertise in children's services, and another with expertise in school improvement.

Children's Services: Candidates will have senior-level experience working within a children's services organisation, such as a local authority or a charity and be able to advise the Trust as it seeks to build relationships with families living in areas of disadvantage. They will have operated in an organisation where particular measures are taken to protect the health, well-being, and safeguarding of individuals, allowing people, especially children, young people and vulnerable adults, to live free from abuse, harm, and neglect. Through this work, they may also bring expertise in safeguarding.

School Improvement: The successful candidate will have a senior background in an educational regulatory body or in improving multiple schools within a larger organisation. They will understand the politics of the sector, and know how to deal with regional schools commissioners / local authorities. Creative Education Trust is also interested in those with knowledge of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

In addition, the successful candidates will have sound judgement, strong communication skills and a willingness to commit the required time and effort. They must have high levels of integrity, strong interpersonal skills and the ability to challenge and advise the governing board and executive appropriately.

Creative Education Trust is open to suitably qualified candidates from any geography but is also interested in candidates with a connection to the Midlands or Norfolk.

There are four Board meetings per year all of which happen in person though there would be capacity to join one meeting per year virtually if necessary. Additionally, Directors are expected to sit on at least one of six Committees, each of which meets four times per year. There is greater flexibility around virtual attendance for Committee meetings. All meetings are normally held in London, near Covent Garden. Similarly Committee meetings are held at our central offices. Some meetings  may continue to operate virtually, however we have full capability for operating hybrid meetings. Finally, Directors will be expected to attend a strategy day and attend ad-hoc meetings with the CEO / Director of Education and school visits. Reasonable domestic expenses will be reimbursed.