The Park Academies Trust appoints new CEO

By Jamie Hill - 7 June 2024

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Gemma Piper has been announced as the new CEO of The Park Academies Trust and is due to take up her new role in September.

Gemma Piper comes with an excellent track record as a Trust CEO in Berkshire where she has built a reputation for school improvement & development and fostered a culture of community and civic collaboration. 
 
The new CEO began her career in education as a computing teacher. As a Headteacher she led a large secondary school on its journey to being judged by Ofsted as being Outstanding; from being previously rated as 'Requires Improvement'. 
 
She is also a serving Ofsted Inspector and can offer invaluable training and insights from the regulatory body. 
 
The new CEO joins as TPAT continues to grow with two schools joining this year and a total of eight schools within the Trust from this September. Two new primaries, Bridlewood and Kingfisher, and two new secondaries Highworth Warneford and the Deanery will have joined TPAT in the last 18 months.  
 
Interim CEO James Nicholson will continue in his previous role as Deputy CEO and Director of Finance and Operations. James thanked staff, parents, carers and families for their support during the six-month appointment process. 
Gemma Piper, CEO, The Park Academies Trust said: “I am thrilled to be joining The Park Academies Trust. I’m looking forward to meeting headteachers, staff, pupils, parents and carers across our Trust as soon as I can. I’m joining a time when TPAT is growing in size thanks to its strong reputation for school improvement and due to the dedication and commitment of staff within a supportive community in Swindon. I can’t wait to start and continue to help all our pupils achieve their goals and dreams.”
James Nicholson, Deputy CEO, The Park Academies Trust said: “It’s been a real privilege to be interim CEO during the last six months and I’m delighted to welcome Gemma Piper and I’m looking forward to supporting her as she begins in the new role. We’ve seen much improved Ofsted ratings and impressive exam results and I’m certain the Trust will continue to go from strength to strength with Gemma as our new CEO.” 

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