Job Description

Join the Board of Canonium Learning Trust - Tes Trust of the Year 2025

Non-Executive Director (Charity Trustee) - Voluntary Role

Are you passionate about making a real difference in education? Canonium Learning Trust - recently named Tes Trust of the Year 2025 - is seeking new Non-Executive Directors (Charity Trustees) to join our expanding Trust Board.

This is your opportunity to help shape the future of a growing, values-led trust of 12 primary schools across Essex. We are proud to be recognised nationally for our visionary leadership of small schools, commitment to community, and innovation in curriculum and inclusion.

Why Join Canonium?

• Nationally recognised excellence - Awarded Trust of the Year (9 schools or fewer) at the 2025 Tes Schools Awards
• A growing and ambitious Trust - Supporting schools to thrive, not just survive
• A collaborative and forward-thinking board - Working closely with executive leaders to shape the Trust's future
• Clear values - Opportunity, Challenge and Integrity underpin everything we do

We're Looking For...

Individuals with experience in any of the following areas:

• Strategic Leadership or Governance
• Finance or Audit
• Legal or Compliance
• Education Sector (primary, SEND, early years)
• Human Resources or Organisational Development
• Estates, Health & Safety, or Risk Management
• IT, Digital Strategy, or Data Governance

Previous board experience is welcome but not essential - we value integrity, curiosity, and a commitment to children's futures.

What You'll Do

As a Non-Executive Director (Trustee), you'll:

• Set the vision and strategic direction of the Trust
• Hold leaders to account for educational performance and financial management
• Ensure the Trust remains sustainable, inclusive, and true to its charitable aims
• Engage in 6 board meetings per year plus occasional visits or sub-committees

This is a voluntary role, but one with the power to shape the lives of children across Essex.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you believe every child deserves an excellent education - regardless of their postcode or school size - we'd love to hear from you.

• Get More Information: https://www.canonium.org/governance‑financial/new‑governors‑directors
• Apply online: https://forms.gle/ULvLp9PZpwi539nAA
• Or contact us for an informal conversation: admin@canonium.org

Information about the School

🏆 Tes Trust of the Year 2025

Canonium Learning Trust is a charitable educational trust comprising a growing family of schools across Essex. We are proud to have been named "Tes Trust of the Year" (9 Schools or Fewer) in 2025, a national award that recognises excellence in education, innovation in leadership, and the power of community collaboration.

At the heart of our Trust is a shared belief that every child deserves the best possible education, regardless of the size or location of their school. We work relentlessly to nurture each child's potential and enthusiasm for learning, so that they leave our schools ready to embrace future challenges and make a positive contribution to society.

Our Purpose

We exist to create environments where pupils thrive and staff are empowered. Our work is guided by three core principles that define how our schools operate and collaborate:

Opportunity

We are committed to making the most of every opportunity to give our pupils an outstanding, inclusive, and well-rounded education. We work smartly, invest in staff development, and foster collaboration and shared learning across all our schools.

Challenge

We embrace challenge as a driver for improvement. We strike the right balance between school-level autonomy and trust-wide consistency, ensuring a clear focus on high-quality teaching and learning. Feedback, ambition, and a culture of continuous improvement underpin our approach.

Integrity

Integrity is at the core of how we lead, teach, and work together. We model fairness, respect, and open communication. We have the courage to do the right thing, take ownership of our actions, and hold ourselves and others to high standards - always with the best interests of children at heart.

If you're interested in joining a trust that is innovative, collaborative, and values-driven, and want to be part of a team recognised nationally for excellence, Canonium Learning Trust could be the right place for you.

🔗 Learn more about our Trust and current opportunities: www.canonium.org