What Is It Like to Be the CEO of a Multi Academy Trust

At its heart, being the CEO of a Multi Academy Trust is about one thing above all else improving the lives of young people.

The role is demanding, complex and deeply rewarding. It requires ambition, resilience and an unwavering commitment to driving school improvement, while keeping children and young people at the centre of every decision. No two days are ever the same, like all leadership roles rooted in education. The pace is fast, the responsibility is significant and the impact can be profound.

Keeping Young People at the Heart of the Role

To be an effective MAT CEO, you must be ambitious and relentless in driving school improvement, while never losing sight of why the role exists in the first place. Every strategic decision, conversation and challenge should be grounded in the question, how does this improve outcomes and life chances for children and young people?

This moral purpose is what sustains leaders through the complexity and pressure of the role.

What Does It Take to Be a MAT CEO

Being a CEO of a Multi Academy Trust requires energy, drive and stamina, but it also demands self awareness and discipline. Looking after yourself physically and mentally is not optional. Managing time carefully and intentionally, protecting a healthy work life balance and remembering to work to live are essential if leadership is to be sustainable. Burnout helps no one.

Wearing Many Different Hats

A MAT CEO wears many different hats every day. One moment you may be focused on strategic vision, the next on operational detail. The role calls for a strong understanding of finance and business strategy, oversight of governance and compliance and the ability to plan strategically across schools, phases and regions while responding to local, regional and national priorities.

This breadth is what makes the role challenging, but it is also what makes it deeply stimulating.

The Importance of Networks and Having a Voice

Developing strong local, regional and national networks is critical. Connecting with aspiring headteachers, executive headteachers and fellow CEOs provides support, challenge and perspective. These relationships matter not just for individual leaders, but for the system as a whole.

Strong networks help develop the second, third and fourth generations of CEOs who are capable of responding to ongoing national change. Being a CEO is also about having a voice and contributing to conversations that shape education for young people.

Leading Through People, Not Alone

One of the most important aspects of the role is making time for your team. A successful CEO surrounds themselves with people who will challenge thinking, offer insight and inform decisions, rather than creating an echo chamber. Strong leadership teams make better decisions and build healthier organisations.

Staff at all levels matter. Succession planning and staff development for all staff are essential for sustainability and growth. Your team is your most precious resource and investing in them, valuing them and trusting them is non negotiable.

Protecting Time for Strategic Leadership

Effective MAT CEOs manage their days carefully, including travel. Being sensible and intentional about when a Zoom or Teams meeting will work and when face to face engagement is essential helps protect energy and focus.

Protecting time for strategic thinking is vital. Setting clear boundaries, such as designated do not disturb leadership time, allows space for reflection, planning and long term decision making, unless there is an absolute emergency.

Staying Ahead of the Curve

MAT CEOs must stay on the front foot. Reading widely, keeping up to date with national developments and engaging with professional dialogue on social media all help leaders remain informed and proactive. Monitoring funding opportunities, grants and wider sector changes is part of ensuring the organisation can respond effectively to what lies ahead.

The educational landscape evolves constantly. Strong CEOs remain curious, informed and forward thinking.

To Summarise

Being the CEO of a Multi Academy Trust is complex, demanding and deeply purposeful. It is about leadership, strategy and influence, but above all it is about changing young people’s lives for the better.

When done well, it is one of the most impactful roles in education.

Unlock your leadership potential - book a mentoring session today.