We would like to announce that Mr Rob James has been promoted to the role of CEO of North Essex Multi Academy Trust.

Mr James has extensive expertise of school improvement having worked with many schools across Essex, and he has led the successful school improvement at The Ramsey Academy, Halstead. He is also a qualified Ofsted Lead Inspector for both primary and secondary sectors.

The Trust Board look forward to working with Mr James as we strive to deliver the best possible education for our pupils.

Mr James commented on his appointment:

“I am privileged to have been given the role of NEMAT CEO to oversee the education of many young people in our different communities. The pupils are at the heart of everything we do and every decision we make will be based on their needs.

My aim is to develop outstanding schools in the heart of the community. To achieve this, we need to raise the aspirations of our pupils by providing opportunities to spark their interest and make them aware of the possibilities available to them.

We recognise everyone is different, and each school is unique, but we wish to develop a NEMAT ethos and culture. The core of this approach is to ensure pupils feel safe and attend a school with a caring environment and a culture of tolerance and respect. Pupils need to enjoy attending school and work with high quality staff to ensure they have the qualifications, knowledge and skills to progress to the next stage of their education or employment.

Each of our schools have specific strengths and we will ensure the characteristics of good practice will be shared more widely between schools. There will be several challenges to overcome in each school but with the active support and involvement of the headteachers, parents/carers, staff, governors and the local community we will achieve our aims.

The words of Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa, summarise the importance of good quality schools:

'Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.'

I look forward to working with you and your local communities to ensure our pupils receive the best possible education."