Chief Education Officer (Deputy CEO)

Romero Catholic Academy Trust

A Catholic family of schools in the Diocese of Salford, working together so every child can flourish in faith, learning, and life.

Who we are

Romero Catholic Academy Trust is one of three multi-academy trusts established by the Catholic Diocese of Salford. We serve the northern area of the Diocese; specifically the local authorities of Lancashire, Blackburn with Darwen and Calderdale, with a clear and ambitious purpose: to work together so our schools can improve outcomes, enrich experiences and enhance the future life chances of every child and young person in our care.

We are a growing Trust, currently comprising 16 schools (12 primary and 4 secondary), and we expect our family to expand further in the coming years. Our schools include both directive academy orders and voluntary converters; schools that have joined us because they believe in the value of Catholic community, collective strength and mutual support.

Our vision is rooted in the life and legacy of Saint Oscar Romero, who reminds us that while we cannot do everything, we can do something, and we can do it very well. His words inspire us to lead with humility and hope, to build for the long term and to focus on what truly matters: the flourishing of every child and adult in our communities.

We are a Catholic family of schools that are united in mission, diverse in context and committed to realising our shared values of:

• Faith: We nurture belief in God and uphold the dignity of every person.
• Service: We live out our faith through compassion, justice and action.
• Aspiration: We work to fulfil the God-given potential of every individual.
• Collaboration: We act in solidarity and share responsibility for all.

Our Trust is entering a new and exciting phase. With a new CEO, an expanding Senior Leadership Team, and a commitment to grow sustainably and strategically, we are investing in leadership capacity across all levels. We know that to deliver outstanding education, we must first create the conditions in which our people thrive, and that’s why this new Chief People Officer role is critical to us.

About the role

We are seeking a Chief Education Officer (Deputy CEO) to lead the education function across Romero Catholic Academy Trust. This is the most senior education role in the Trust and carries responsibility for strategy, standards, Catholic life, and curriculum across all our schools. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, you will deputise for the CEO when required and play a central role in shaping the direction of the Trust.

In this role, you will take responsibility for the performance of all schools, working directly with headteachers and senior leaders to secure improvement. You will monitor outcomes, identify priorities, and implement plans that raise standards and strengthen provision. You will also ensure schools are well-prepared for Ofsted and Catholic Schools Inspectorate inspections and that collective worship, Religious Education, and Catholic life are strong and consistent across the Trust.

You will work with the CEO, Trustees, and Executive Team to align the education strategy with the wider organisational plan. This will involve reporting to the Board on performance, managing risk, and deploying resources effectively. You will also be responsible for recruiting, developing, and supporting leaders, building capacity across schools, and creating pathways for professional development.

The role requires partnership with the Diocese of Salford and wider Catholic education networks, ensuring Romero CAT is outward-looking and aligned with diocesan priorities. As a member of the Executive Team, you will also contribute to the operational leadership of the Trust, supporting decision-making on staffing, budgets, and services.

This is a reserved post under Canon Law, and we are seeking a practising Catholic who can demonstrate commitment to the faith and lead by example. You will ensure that Romero remains faithful to its mission and continues to serve as a witness to the Gospel in all aspects of its work.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking an experienced Catholic leader who has a proven track record of leading improvement across schools. You will bring credibility from senior leadership experience in education, ideally across more than one setting and will be able to demonstrate the impact you have had in raising standards and improving outcomes for pupils.

You will have direct experience of working with school leaders to deliver improvement. This might include supporting schools in challenging circumstances, preparing for inspection, or leading curriculum and teaching initiatives that have secured measurable results. You will be confident in using data to evaluate performance, identifying priorities, and turning evidence into clear plans of action.

We are looking for someone who understands the demands of leadership at both school and system level. You will have worked with governors, trustees, or boards, and will be able to report clearly on performance and risk. You will also have experience of holding others to account, giving honest feedback, and managing underperformance in a constructive and professional way.

As a leader, you will be able to develop people as well as systems. You will have experience of recruiting and growing leadership talent, building capacity in schools, and providing professional development for staff at different stages of their careers. You will know how to foster collaboration across schools and create a culture where staff share expertise and support one another.

You will be skilled at working with a wide range of stakeholders, including diocesan partners, governors, parents, and local communities. You will understand the distinctive nature of Catholic education and will be able to demonstrate how you have lived out your faith in a leadership role. Experience of preparing schools for both Ofsted and Catholic Schools Inspectorate inspections would be an advantage.

Above all, you will bring the experience, judgement, and commitment to lead Catholic education across a group of schools, ensuring that every child is supported in their academic, personal, and spiritual development.

Peridot Partners and Romero Catholic Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.

Please click 'Apply Now’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the job description and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 17th November