How are School Trusts Led?

In multi-academy trusts (MATs), we aim to balance strategic oversight at the trust level with operational leadership at the school level.  

Trust-Level Leadership (Central Leadership Team often known as Executive Team)

This group oversees all schools within the MAT, ensuring consistency, financial stability, and strategic direction. 

a) CEO (Chief Executive Officer) 

• The highest-ranking executive responsible for the overall vision, strategy, and success of the MAT. 
• Reports to the Board of Trustees. 
• Leads on educational standards, financial sustainability, and growth strategy. 
• Represents the MAT to government bodies (e.g., the DfE, Ofsted, and ESFA). 
• Supports and challenges headteachers and school leadership teams. 

b) CFO (Chief Financial Officer) 

• Manages the financial health of the MAT, including budgeting, funding, and compliance. 
• Ensures financial efficiency and adherence to the Academy Trust Handbook. 

c) COO (Chief Operating Officer)  

• Oversees non-academic operations, such as HR, estates management, IT, and legal compliance. 

d) Director of Education  

• Ensures high standards of teaching and learning across all schools. 
• Leads on curriculum development, assessment, and school improvement. 

e) Other Central Roles (Varies by MAT) 

• Director of HR/People – leads the development and delivery of SEEAT's People Strategy focusing on things like recruitment and staff wellbeing. 
• Head of Estates – manages buildings, health & safety, and expansion projects. 
• Head of IT & Digital Strategy – leads technology initiatives, cybersecurity, and digital learning. 
• Head of SEND & Inclusion – oversees special educational needs and disability (SEND) provision. 

School-Level Leadership (Individual Schools)

Each academy within the MAT has its own leadership team, reporting to both the MAT central leadership and the local governing body. 

a) Headteacher 

• Leads the school’s day-to-day operations. 
• Reports to the CEO. 
• Accountable for academic performance and leadership of the school. 

b) Deputy Headteachers 

• Support the Headteacher in curriculum, behaviour, staff development, and assessment. 
• Often have specific responsibilities, e.g., Pastoral Care or Teaching & Learning. 

c) Assistant Headteachers 

• Focus on specific areas like SEND, data & assessment or behaviour. 

d) School Business Manager (in some bigger schools) 

• Oversees finance, HR, and operations at the school level, reporting to the CFO or COO at the trust level.