Being a CEO Programme
Marshall Professional Development is delighted to announce the release of our new and accredited, modular Being a CEO Programme. The programme is aimed at anyone wishing to become a Multi Academy Trust CEO, anyone who has just become a CEO in a Multi Academy Trust and even existing CEO’s who want to up-skill as part of their own CPD. Many elements of the programme are also applicable to anyone simply wishing to improve their leadership skills.
Practical over theoretical
All modules focus on practical rather than theoretical thinking as we believe this is where real learning helps this unique role. Our course has been written in conjunction with experienced CEO’s who all told us what they would have loved to have known before they started their journey.
The programme involves 6 one-day modules and – circumstances allowing – will be delivered in person at existing Trust locations.
Audience: Current and aspiring CEOs of Multi Academy Trusts
Format: Six modules, each designed to build confidence, strategic insight, and operational excellence
Delivery: Blended – in-person workshops and peer collaboration
Programme 1
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Programme 2: “Leading with Impact”
Objective: Strengthen strategic thinking and system leadership for sustainable trust growth and transformation.
The evolving role of MATs in the wider education system
Understand how MATs are positioned in the national landscape and how CEOs can contribute to shaping system-wide outcomes.Developing a compelling trust vision and values
Learn how to create and communicate a powerful organisational narrative that unites stakeholders around a shared purpose.Aligning vision to strategic objectives and KPIs
Translate long-term vision into actionable goals, success measures, and clear accountability frameworks.Leading system-wide improvement and collaboration
Explore how to foster meaningful collaboration across schools and beyond your trust to drive educational equity.Scaling and trust growth strategy
Build the knowledge to assess growth readiness, conduct due diligence, and lead sustainable expansion.
Objective: Ensure robust governance and compliance with statutory, financial, and educational frameworks.
Governance roles: Members, Trustees, Executive leaders
Clarify roles and responsibilities within the governance structure to promote effective oversight and accountability.Scheme of delegation and board effectiveness
Develop a fit-for-purpose scheme of delegation and build high-functioning boards through regular review and development.Legal and statutory duties, including safeguarding
Review key legal obligations including safeguarding, health and safety, and data protection, and embed them trust-wide.Managing trust performance through data and assurance
Use data and internal audit mechanisms to provide assurance on educational and operational performance.Compliance with DfE, ESFA, and Ofsted frameworks
Understand what good compliance looks like, prepare for inspections and audits, and avoid common pitfalls.
Objective: Build the capacity to lead financial sustainability and deploy resources with impact.
MAT finance strategy and ICFP
Use Integrated Curriculum Financial Planning to align educational priorities with financial planning at trust level.Budget setting, GAG pooling, and resource allocation
Learn to design trust-wide budgets, explore the benefits and challenges of GAG pooling, and ensure equitable allocation.Financial risk and audit readiness
Strengthen internal controls, anticipate financial risks, and prepare confidently for external audits and reviews.Managing capital, estates, and sustainability
Take a strategic approach to estate management, condition improvement, and sustainability initiatives.Strategic procurement and contract oversight
Understand best practice in procurement, contract monitoring, and securing value for money.
Objective: Develop a trust-wide improvement strategy that raises standards and closes attainment gaps.
School improvement models and QA frameworks
Review effective trust-level improvement strategies and develop consistent approaches to quality assurance.Monitoring performance across multiple schools
Build systems to track pupil progress, curriculum impact, and staff performance across a diverse portfolio.Targeted interventions for underperformance
Design responsive and evidence-based interventions that support schools at different stages of improvement.Data-driven decision making
Leverage school performance and contextual data to inform priorities and allocate support.Supporting SEND, inclusion, and narrowing attainment gaps
Ensure trust-wide equity through inclusive practices, targeted funding, and shared accountability for vulnerable learners.
Objective: Build a culture where people thrive and leadership talent is developed and retained.
Trust-wide people strategy and succession planning
Shape a people strategy that anticipates workforce needs and builds a resilient leadership pipeline.Professional development and coaching structures
Create scalable CPD pathways and embed coaching as a lever for school improvement and leadership growth.Organisational culture and values in practice
Cultivate an intentional culture that reflects the trust’s values and improves engagement, morale, and retention.Staff recruitment, retention, and wellbeing
Address recruitment challenges creatively, improve retention through purposeful leadership, and prioritise staff wellbeing.Legal and HR considerations in MATs
Navigate complex HR issues including TUPE, disciplinary processes, and employment law with confidence.
Objective: Build resilience by embedding effective risk management across all areas of the trust.
Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) in MATs
Learn how to design and implement a comprehensive trust-wide risk framework that supports strategic objectives.Strategic, operational, reputational, financial, and compliance risks
Identify key risk categories and understand how to assess their likelihood, impact, and interdependencies.Developing and maintaining a risk register
Construct a living risk register that is used by executives and boards to monitor and respond to risk proactively.Crisis preparedness and continuity planning
Plan for disruption with effective continuity plans, communication strategies, and governance support.Cybersecurity, data protection, and safeguarding risks
Strengthen defences against cyber threats and data breaches while maintaining robust safeguarding procedures.Embedding a proactive risk culture across the trust
Promote trust-wide awareness and ownership of risk, ensuring that all leaders understand their role in mitigation.
All modules include a Q&A session with an existing and experienced CEO where you can seek real-world, practical advice and tips about the role from others who have walked the walk.
Price:
We have priced our CEO course to be the most competitive on the market. The cost for each 6-module Programme is £5000 plus VAT. You can even pay for the course monthly.
This unique programme benefits not only you and your development, it also benefits your Trust in many ways. Our philosophy for this programme is simply this; improving skill sets, improving outcomes.
Contact us now to discuss the programme further.
