THE trust which runs schools in Tidworth and Ludgershall has welcomed a new chief executive with ambitions for growth.

The Ascend Learning Trust, which runs Wellington Eagles and Wellington Lions primary academies and The Wellington Academy, has appointed Jane Coley as its new chief executive.

Ms Coley has a substantial background in not only education but also as a director within a multi-academy trust.

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She has been teaching for 25 years, originally training as a history and politics teacher at Bristol University and most recently as an education director for a large national MAT. In this role, she has worked in both the secondary and primary phases focusing on supporting leaders to drive improvement and secure effective and inspiring practice in the classroom.

Prior to this Ms Coley was principal at Brakenhale School in Berkshire, which was transformed under her leadership. During her career to date, she has also worked as an associate headteacher in an ‘outstanding’ school and was well known for her work as a national lead for PiXL6 (Partners in Excellence) where she worked alongside over 500 schools to lead improvement for Post16 students.

As part of her appointment, Ms Coley has shared her vision for the trust to grow and expand.

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She said: “I am delighted to have officially taken up the post of CEO at Ascend Learning Trust. It is a post that comes with a significant responsibility to thousands of young people, staff and families and I am fully committed to ensuring that Ascend Academies become centres of excellence, where students leave with the very best qualifications and results and as individuals fully equipped to achieve their ambitions for the future.

“Furthermore, that our staff are empowered through their own development to support our students in their academic and holistic journey through their time with us at Ascend.

“My strong moral purpose is underpinned by kindness and honesty but always a determination to ensure all young people thrive within a no-excuses culture.

“I very much looking forward to leading and growing Ascend Learning Trust for the benefit of our entire community.”