[GRADUATE JOB OPPORTUNITY] Special Projects Executive to the CEO - Laidlaw Schools Trust
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Could this be your next leadership challenge?
Laidlaw Schools Trust is a multi-academy trust based in the North East of England, serving communities across Newcastle, Sunderland and County Durham. Find out more about who we are and the work we do at www.laidlawschoolstrust.co.uk
We are creating a unique graduate-entry role for a Laidlaw Scholar alum who wants to understand how strategy, leadership, and social impact come together in practice.
We are looking for a Special Projects Executive to the Chief Executive Officer, based in Newcastle upon Tyne, with travel across our eleven academies as required.
About the Role
This is not a traditional graduate role. It is an opportunity to work directly with the CEO of a multi-academy trust, supporting strategic projects, executive communications, governance preparation, research, insight and organisational follow-through.
The role would suit someone who is intellectually curious, highly organised, values-driven and eager to learn how complex public purpose organisations really work from the inside.
You do not need prior professional experience. You do need judgement, discretion, strong communication skills, a commitment to ethical leadership and a genuine desire to help improve the life chances of young people in underserved communities.
For the right person, this will be a brilliant bridge between the Laidlaw Scholarship and future leadership.
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne, with travel across Laidlaw Schools Trust academies in the North East.
Salary and working pattern: To be discussed with shortlisted candidates. We are open to shaping the role around the right Laidlaw Scholar alum.
⚠️ Please note: This is an in-person role based in Newcastle upon Tyne (UK) and cannot be undertaken remotely. Education is fundamentally relational. A core part of the role involves building relationships and developing a deep understanding of the schools, communities and stakeholders that make up the Trust. For this reason, applicants should be willing to relocate to the North East and work primarily in person.
The full job description is attached.
To request the full application pack, express interest or arrange an informal conversation about the role, please contact sally.newton@laidlawschoolstrust.co.uk by July 8.
Start date: September 1, 2026
This opportunity is open to alumni from all Laidlaw programmes.
Hello! I am a multidisciplinary designer and have been with the Laidlaw Foundation for over five years, working to strengthen our global Scholar community and amplify the impact of our programmes.
My work lives somewhere between design, education, and anthropology, usually with sticky notes involved. I studied Human Sciences as an undergrad and recently finished a Master’s in Anthropology, both at UCL.
I am your go-to person for questions regarding alumni engagement and the Laidlaw Scholars Advisory Board.
Born and raised in Kazakhstan 🇰🇿 Outside of work? Probably in the ceramics studio or a yoga class. Big fan of nature and very small bugs.
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This is really a phenomenal opportunity. The work that LST is doing is not just transforming the lives of its pupils and communities, it is influencing government policy. LST is pioneering approaches to inclusive education, Pedtech, alternative provision, wellbeing and enrichment in schools. Also, you will get to work with @Sally Newton who is an extraordinary leader - modelling what it means to be off the scale impact and integrity. Do apply - and good luck!