The Park Academies Trust bids farewell to CEO

After a successful three year term as Chief Executive Officer of The Park Academies Trust (TPAT), Benedick Ashmore-Short has announced he will be sadly leaving at the end of this year to start a new job with another group of schools.

As CEO, Benedick has overseen the growth of the Trust which now has six schools with a new primary, Bridlewood, and a new secondary, Highworth Warneford, both joining TPAT in the last year. 

In his letter to staff, Benedick praised the dedication of teachers whose high standards and professionalism have led to an impressive set of exam results this summer he also thanked parents, carers and families who support not just the pupils but also the schools and all of their staff. 

Benedick will be sad to say goodbye but will be leaving the Trust in good hands with Deputy CEO James Nicholson taking over while the process to recruit a permanent replacement has already begun. A new CEO is expected to be appointed in the new year. 

Benedick Ashmore-Short said: “It’s been a real privilege to work with all the dedicated and professional staff at our schools but the highlight has been to see all the hard work pay off; with our pupils, their families and our local community seeing the benefits. We’ve seen much improved Ofsted ratings and impressive exam results which open even more opportunities for our young people. I’m very sad to be leaving, I’ll miss all the staff and pupils but I’m incredibly proud of what we have all achieved together and I’m certain the Trust will continue to go from strength to strength.”

 

Bio: Benedick Ashmore Short 

Benedick has had a career in education spanning over two decades and has an unrivalled track record of school transformation in numerous roles including Primary and Secondary Headship, Executive Director of Education and Chief Executive Officer. 

In 2014 he was named Pearson 'Headteacher of the Year' winning a coveted Plato due to a significant school transformation that led to the school being a catalyst for community cohesion and moving from ‘Special Measures’ to 'Good' in under two years. He has led 21 schools through inspections all with positive outcomes - the majority moving forward two Ofsted grades. 

Benedick has been described by Ofsted as ‘inspirational and forward-thinking’ - he is a highly motivational leader who believes in empowering teaching staff and pupils to achieve beyond their dreams. 

His passion has always been teaching and he has continued to teach throughout his career, regardless of position, and has had the rare experience of teaching all year groups from Reception to Y13. 

He has led numerous training, development and leadership programmes and has recently specialised in developing Executive Leaders across the UK working with Ambition School Leadership.