Anthem Schools Trust has announced that David Hatchett is to be its new chief executive, starting in post in October.

It will be Mr Hatchett’s first trust CEO role, having previously held two executive roles in large multi-academy trusts. 

He joins Anthem from Lift Schools, where he held the post of director of standards and inclusion. He has also been a regional director of education for the E-ACT chain.

Anthem Schools Trust runs 16 academies in the East Midlands, London and the Thames Valley.

Earlier in his career, Mr Hatchett worked in senior roles for Pearson. He started his career as a teacher and school leader in the East End of London.

He is also an Ofsted inspector and a trustee of Parentkind and the English-Speaking Union, where he chairs the education committee.

‘Ideal choice’

Mr Hatchett said: “It’s clear that Anthem has enormous potential. The recent improvements in both primary and secondary achievement provide a strong foundation from which to build, thanks to the commitment and hard work of staff across the trust.

“I’m very much looking forward to working closely with colleagues across the trust, to build on the successes to date and to deliver on our shared vision of creating ambitious and successful schools in which every child can thrive.”

The trust’s chair of trustees Jay Bhutani said: “We are delighted to welcome David to Anthem. His leadership experience, deep understanding of school improvement and his unwavering commitment to inclusive and values-led education made him the ideal choice.

“David joins us at an important moment, both for us as a trust and the education sector more widely. With a renewed strategic focus across our family of schools, he will be dedicated to improving outcomes for our 8,500-plus students and ensuring the wellbeing of our incredible staff.”

Mr Hatchett will succeed Anthem’s former chief executive Mohsen Ojja, who has become CEO of the Education Development Company in Morocco.