Our Chief Executive Officer
Duncan Jacques CBE
Duncan Jacques is the Chief Executive Officer of Exceed Academies Trust and has a strong track record of leading sustained school improvement across a wide range of settings.
With over 30 years’ experience in education, starting as a teacher and progressing to Headteacher, Executive Headteacher and now Chief Executive Officer, Duncan has led schools and organisations serving diverse communities and secured strong improvement over time.
Across his career, Duncan has directed four schools to an Outstanding judgement, including leading a school from Special Measures to becoming an Outstanding National Support School and Teaching School. His work has consistently been characterised by high expectations, strong professional accountability and a deep commitment to improving life chances for children and young people.
Leadership and System Impact
As Chief Executive Officer, Duncan leads Exceed Academies Trust with a clear focus on strengthening schools, developing people and ensuring that every child receives consistently high-quality education.
He has played a central role in establishing Exceed as a strong and outward-facing Trust, rooted in Bradford and working increasingly across West Yorkshire.
Today, Exceed Academies Trust is a partnership of schools and academies supported by a central team and complemented by the Trust’s wider system leadership role through Exceed Teaching School Hub and Exceed SCITT.
Under Duncan’s leadership, the Trust has continued to develop as a modern, inclusive and ambitious organisation. This includes recognition as a Valued Worker Employer, the achievement of the Bronze AI Quality Mark for the Trust’s responsible and effective use of artificial intelligence in education, and the continued success of Trust schools and provisions, including the recent recognition of Oastlers School as exceptional.
Professional Reputation
Duncan’s expertise in school improvement and system leadership is recognised locally, regionally and nationally. He has served as a National Leader of Education (NLE), and was a member of the Lancashire and West Yorkshire DfE Headteacher Board after being elected by his peers.
He is widely respected for combining strategic clarity with moral purpose, and for building strong relationships that help schools and leaders improve with confidence and sustainability.
National Recognition
In the 2019 New Year Honours, Duncan was awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in recognition of his services to education.
Leading with Purpose
Duncan’s leadership is underpinned by a simple but ambitious belief: that strong schools change lives. Through a clear focus on inclusion, quality and long-term improvement, he continues to lead Exceed Academies Trust in strengthening schools and improving life chances for every child.
