The chief executive of the David Ross Education Trust is stepping down, the trust announced today.
Stuart Burns, who has led the 36-school academy trust for five years, will stand down from the role in the autumn term.
He first worked for the trust as the founding principal of Bobby Moore Academy in East London from 2014 to 2018.
He went on to become chief executive of the International School of Monaco until 2020, when he took over the top job at the David Ross Education Trust (DRET) from Rowena Hackwood, who is now CEO of Astrea Academy Trust.
DRET ‘is a strong trust’
“I am so very proud of the work that the DRET team do, day in, day out, to broaden young people’s horizons and help them discover just what is possible to achieve,” Mr Burns said.
“DRET is a strong trust, and it has been humbling to see how far the organisation has come thanks to the superb talent we have across all our schools and the dedicated support services we run.”
He said that seeing the trust grow has been a particular highlight of his time as chief executive, noting that two schools have joined the trust in the past year.
“I leave knowing that the dedicated staff, supportive board and engaged community will continue to drive our mission forward, and I will remain on hand as long as is deemed necessary to ensure a smooth handover,” Mr Burns added.
‘Challenging times’ for trusts
David Ross, chair of the trust, praised Mr Burns’ leadership. “Throughout his tenure, Stuart has exemplified thoughtful and wise leadership, drawing on decades of experience in the sector to guide us through what are unquestionably challenging times for the education sector as a whole,” he said.
He thanked Mr Burns on behalf of the board and the trust for the “invaluable contribution and unwavering commitment” he brought to the schools group.
The board is now recruiting for Mr Burns’ successor.
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