Become an Exceed School
We believe that school improvement is strongest when schools work together. At its best, improvement is built on collaboration, constructive challenge and a shared commitment to securing the very best outcomes for children and young people.
As an Educational Charity, we are driven by moral purpose and a deep, long-term commitment to the schools and communities we serve. We work with schools in a range of contexts, supporting those facing challenge and partnering with strong schools that share our ambition, values and commitment to contributing to the wider system.
Our relationships are built on openness, professional challenge and mutual respect. We combine strong partnership working with a clear focus on improvement, ensuring that success is not short-term, but sustained over time.
We believe that Headteachers are best placed to lead their schools. We support and challenge leaders to make the right decisions for their pupils, staff and communities, whilst maintaining clear accountability and shared expectations across the Trust. We also value the role of local governance in ensuring that each school remains closely connected to its community.
Joining Exceed
Exceed Academies Trust welcomes schools from all phases. Whether your school is considering conversion to become an academy within a strong partnership, or seeking sponsorship from a Trust with a clear moral purpose and proven approach, we would welcome the opportunity to work with you.
We are always pleased to engage in initial conversations with school leaders and governing boards to explore how we could support your school.
Our Approach
- Support Headteachers to lead improvement with strong professional autonomy
- Work with each school to understand its unique context and priorities
- Avoid unnecessary standardisation, allowing flexibility in curriculum, teaching and assessment
- Establish clear expectations for quality and consistency across the Trust
- Develop leadership capacity at all levels to sustain improvement over time
- Work collaboratively across our schools and contribute to wider system improvement
Through this approach, we create schools that are ambitious, inclusive and well-supported — places where children, staff and communities can thrive.
What We Offer
- A coherent recruitment and retention strategy to secure high-quality staff for our schools
- Access to initial teacher training through Exceed SCITT, rated Outstanding by Ofsted
- Access to peer networks of experienced leaders and teachers across all phases
- High-quality support from central teams including finance, HR, operations, estates, school improvement, governance and GDPR
- An extensive programme of research-informed professional development, including National Professional Qualifications through our Teaching School Hub
- Opportunities for leaders and staff to contribute to wider school improvement through school-to-school support
Our Commitment to Staff
- Continued alignment with national agreements, including School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions and NJC Green Book
- Access to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme and the West Yorkshire Pension Fund
- Strong and constructive relationships with Trade Union colleagues
- A clear commitment to staff wellbeing and being an Employer of Choice
Find out more about Exceed:
Get in Touch
To arrange an informal initial conversation, please contact our Chief Executive Officer, Duncan Jacques CBE:
T: 01274 086 490
E: info@exceedacademiestrust.co.uk