Education Today Education Today Magazine
Sandy Paley has been announced as the new CEO of Derbyshire and South Yorkshire’s Chorus Education Trust.
She will take up the role in September, succeeding Chris James, who is retiring after seven years as CEO of Chorus and a distinguished 35-year career, as a teacher and leader in education.
Currently serving as Director of School Improvement at Nova Education Trust in the East Midlands, Sandy’s expertise lies in curriculum, teaching and learning and professional development; underpinned by a strong commitment to delivering child-centred aspirational learning experiences for all children and young people.
Sandy was educated in Ireland before studying Geography, Physical Education and Exercise Science at Loughborough University, where she also completed her teacher training. She began her teaching career at Campsmount School in Doncaster and later joined Toot Hill School in Nottinghamshire, where she spent more than 20 years in a range of leadership roles, ultimately serving as Headteacher.
During her time at Toot Hill and Nova, Sandy completed a Master of Education at the University of Nottingham and achieved the National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL).
Sandy Paley said of her appointment: “I am excited to be joining Chorus as its new CEO. The Trust’s values of ambition, belonging and integrity resonate strongly with me, both personally and professionally. I am particularly drawn to the way Chorus respects and celebrates the unique context and contributions of each of its schools and teacher training pathways.
“I look forward to building on the values-driven work that unite Chorus as a family of schools, ensuring these principles translate into increasingly more meaningful, aspirational experiences for all our children and young people. I am passionate about investing in, developing, and empowering our staff so that, together, we can make this happen.”
