Lord Carey, Chairman of the United Church Schools Trust and Edward Gould, Chairman of the United Learning Trust, today (Friday 14th October) announced the appointment of Jon Coles as the Group’s new Chief Executive in succession to Sir Ewan Harper.
Mr Coles, who is currently Director General for Education Standards at the Department for Education, will take up his post in the new year.
The UCST/ULT Group runs 11 independent schools, 20 academies and one CTC.
Announcing the appointment, Lord Carey said:
“I am delighted with this appointment. Jon Coles will bring to our Group not only considerable intellectual ability but also wide-ranging experience and knowledge of education. We will welcome his passion for transforming the life chances of young people.”
Edward Gould said:
“I am delighted that Jon Coles is joining the Group as CEO. His wide experience is highly relevant and appropriate for the future growth and development of ULT and we look forward with enthusiasm to supporting him and working with him in the years to come.”
Through his civil service career, Mr Coles has gained extensive experience in the development and oversight of national education policy. Over the past ten years he has built up a track record in strategic leadership across the education sector including as Director of London Challenge (2002-2005), Director of 14-19 Reform (2005-2008) and Director General of Schools (2008-10). He has also worked at the Cabinet Office and the National Audit Office.
The Secretary of State for Education, Rt Hon Michael Gove MP said:
“Jon is an extremely talented public servant – he has played a hugely influential role in all aspects of education policy during his time at the Department, and it is no exaggeration to say that he has had a profound impact on improving the education that many millions of children have received in this country. His experience, his passion, and his extraordinary knowledge of the education system will mean he can continue his excellent work in this new role and I congratulate him heartily on his success”.
Mr Coles’ appointment comes as both UCST and ULT mark continued improvement in their summer exam performance with the two charities celebrating their best ever performance at GCSE and A Level.