The Primary First Trust CEO dismisses concerns of staffing crisis

The head of an academy group responsible for 2,400 children's education in north Kent has dismissed concerns of a staffing crisis despite the fact the trust is now advertising for an entirely new senior leadership team.

We can reveal it will be all change at the top of The Primary First Trust, which runs eight primary schools and is set to open a free school in Gravesham in September.

CEO Justin Smith and Director of Education Katherine Powell have handed in their notices, while the Director of Finance and Business Services has already left, with Richard Cox taking over as Chief Finance Officer next month.

A spokesman for the trust said Mr Smith is moving on to complete his doctorate in leadership but will remain in place until January working with trustees on the recruitment and transition process.

He added: “As well as my study I will remain fully committed to my work in school improvement by undertaking consultancy and project work.".

Ms Powell will step down after eight years with the trust to complete her qualification as a Business Psychologist. She will leave at the end of the academic year.

Following a recent business restructure process the Director of Finance and Business Services left the trust.

Chair of Trustees, Bill Harwood, said: “We are really fortunate that Mr Smith will be with us for almost a year whilst we work through the recruitment of two senior posts. I am proud of what we have achieved so far and know that we will use this recruitment process to build on some excellent foundations.”

The Gravesend-based trust runs Westcourt Primary in the town's Silver Road; Cuxton Junior and Infant schools, in Bush Road; Wayfield Primary in Wayfield Road, Chatham; two schools in Bexley and two in Erith.

Last year Ofsted carried out five inspections at trust school's which returned either good or outstanding results. All schools which have been inspected since Primary First have taken over have improved drastically.