Education Today Education Today Magazine
Excelsior Multi-Academy Trust, a family of eight primary schools in the West Midlands, has welcomed Darren King, formally the Trust’s Director of Education, into his new role as Chief Executive Officer, this September.
Darren steps into the role after two years as Excelsior’s Director of Education, bringing extensive leadership experience across primary, secondary and sixth form education. Previously, he has held three headships and worked for a decade in executive leadership roles in one of the country’s largest multi-academy trusts. An experienced Ofsted Inspector and former Lead Inspector, Darren has also worked with the Department for Education and Birmingham City Council and has a strong track record of supporting schools to improve, including moving from ‘Special Measures’ to ‘Good’ or better.
His appointment follows a strong period for Excelsior, with the Trust securing three successful Ofsted inspections and pupil outcomes above national averages for two consecutive years. Every Excelsior school is now rated Good or better in all areas, reflecting the Trust’s focus on high standards and its ambition to become one of the highest-performing trusts in the country.
A key focus for Darren as CEO will be ensuring Excelsior continues to deliver excellent teaching informed by the best global research, evidence and technology. He wants the Trust to remain at the forefront of educational innovation, using new approaches and technology to strengthen teaching and learning and prepare pupils for the future.
Alongside academic achievement, Darren will prioritise ensuring every child benefits from a rich and varied educational experience. As Director of Education, he developed the Trust’s Pupil Entitlement, setting out the enrichment opportunities every child should experience during their time at Excelsior, from STEM, art and virtual reality to student-led radio and podcasting – helping pupils build the confidence, resilience and skills to thrive in later life.
Under Darren’s leadership, Excelsior is expected to build on these strengths as it enters its next chapter, combining high academic standards with innovation and opportunity to deliver an exceptional education for every child.
Darren King, Chief Executive Officer at Excelsior Multi-Academy Trust, said: “Having spent the past two years as Director of Education, I am incredibly proud to take on the role of Chief Executive Officer and continue the progress we are making together across Excelsior. My focus will be continuing to strive for even higher standards and ensuring every pupil leaves us not only well educated, but as a confident, capable and compassionate young person.”
Pam Garrington, Chair of Trustees at Excelsior Multi-Academy Trust, said: “On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to congratulate Darren on his appointment as Chief Executive Officer. Over the past two years, he has already made a significant contribution to Excelsior, and his experience, knowledge and commitment to improving outcomes for pupils make him exceptionally well placed to lead the Trust into its next chapter.
“Darren is an ambitious and experienced education leader who shares our determination to provide the very best education and opportunities for every child. We are excited about the future of Excelsior under his leadership and look forward to working closely with him as he continues to drive improvement across our family of schools.”
