Sharon Mullins has been appointed as the new chief executive of the Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust (ODST).
Ms Mullins will start work in September and will follow Anne Dellar, the founder of the trust, who is retiring this summer.
The trust runs 43 primary schools in Oxfordshire and Berkshire.
Ms Mullins will be returning to working in Oxfordshire following four years leading the Embrace Multi-Academy Trust in Leicestershire.
During her career, she has led both large city and small rural schools, as well as driving school improvement as principal schools advisor at ODST from 2017 to 2021.
Ms Mullins said: “I am delighted to be returning to ODST as the new CEO from September. Leading schools is a real privilege and being able to take up the leadership of schools I already have a good understanding and knowledge of will enable me to further strengthen ODST on the next stage of its journey.”
Ms Dellar founded the trust in 2012 with one school and today it serves more than 8,000 children and employs 1,500 staff across 43 schools, making it one of the largest MATs in the country.
She said: “I’m extremely proud of what ODST has achieved, working together as a family of schools over the last 13 years.
“Sharon is a very dedicated leader, who we already know makes a big impact in helping schools to become the best they can be for children and their communities, and we can now spend the next few months ensuring continuity and planning this next phase of ODST’s journey as a strong, values-led trust.”
Kathy Winrow, ODST chair of trustees, said: “Trustees are delighted to have appointed Sharon Mullins as ODST’s next chief executive, following a rigorous selection process. Sharon is totally committed to our vision and values and brings a breadth of experience to lead the trust forward.
“As we welcome Sharon, we also thank Anne Dellar, our founding CEO. Her vision, values, commitment and dedication over the last 13 years have been inspirational and our family of 43 schools are richer for her leadership.”
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