Board Director

Job Description

Catalyst Academies Trust is an innovative, charitable organisation, who set out to widen access to outstanding
educational provision. This is achieved by supporting and empowering teachers and leaders in schools and
academies, to develop outstanding teaching and improve outcomes for all, regardless of starting point. We strive
to improve the opportunities and provision both within and beyond our trust.
We are incredibly proud of our community, our drive and determination to provide the very best educational
experience and has led to us being in the top performing trusts for over 6 years.
The Trust was established by Dilkes Academy, an outstanding, successful primary school in Thurrock in December
2012. Shortly afterwards, in April 2013, Benyon Primary School and Quarry Hill Academy became part of the Trust.
The level of expertise and support that the Trust was able to quickly provide, meant that both schools rapidly
moved from inadequate to good and requires improvement to outstanding Ofsted judgements within their first
two years as part of Catalyst Academies Trust.
In 2017 Somers Heath Primary School joined Catalyst, raising Trust capacity and providing high quality learning
opportunities for pupils and staff. More recently Aveley Primary school joined, building capacity further; sharing
the same aspirations and values to which all trust schools subscribe.
Catalyst Academies Trust are incredibly proud of our staff and our collaborative network of schools. We look
forward to growing further in the primary sector and building partnerships in the secondary sector to provide a
true all-through educational experience.
Catalyst Academies Trust Board delegates some of its functions through a Scheme of Delegation to the Local
Governing Body (LGB) of each Trust school. The Trust Board, with the CEO, has overall responsibility for the
running of the Trust. The Trust Board has several core strategic functions, including:
• Working with senior leaders to develop a clear strategic mission. vision and ethos.
• Provide strategic leadership and management for the Trust
• Holding the Trust Senior Leadership Team to account for the educational performance of the school
and its pupils
• Overseeing the financial performance of the Trust and the Schools
• Deciding the principles that guide Trust policies and approving key, statutory policies
• Appointing and appraising the Trust Senior Leadership Team and making pay recommendations
Each board member is chosen for the skills, knowledge and links that he or she can bring to the Trust. The
composition of the board is reviewed periodically to ensure that there is a good mix of expertise, interest and
relevance as well as capacity. We believe that individuals must have a have a keen interest in education and be
prepared to play an active part in board activities.
Interested volunteers will be expected to complete a skills expertise analysis and include a short personal
statement to support your application outlining their interest in and suitability for the role. If you are interested
in finding out more, please contact Mrs Lilley, PA to the CEO, for further details at contactus@catrust.org.uk.
Applications should be returned no later than 30th September 2025. Applications should be addressed to Mrs
Lilley, PA to CEO, via email to contactus@catrust.org.uk .

Information about the School

The Trust was established by Dilkes Academy, an outstanding, successful primary school in Thurrock in December 2012. Shortly afterwards, in April 2013, Benyon Primary School and Quarry Hill Academy became part of the Trust.

The level of expertise and support that the Trust quickly provided, meant that both schools rapidly moved from inadequate to good and requires improvement to outstanding within their first two years as part of Catalyst.

In 2017 Somers Heath Primary School joined Catalyst, raising Trust capacity and providing high quality learning opportunities for pupils and staff. More recently Aveley Primary school joined, building capacity further; sharing the same aspirations and values to which all trust schools subscribe.

Catalyst Academies Trust are incredibly proud of our staff and our collaborative network of schools. We look forward to growing further in the primary sector and building partnerships in the secondary sector to provide a true all-through educational experience.

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.