Liz West is to step down as chief executive of Initio Learning Trust, which runs Verwood CE First School and Nursery, Hillside First School and Emmanuel CE Middle School in Verwood.
She will leave the role at the start of the summer term and retire at the end of August after 11 years in post. Since 2015, she has overseen the Trust’s expansion from seven schools to 19, while maintaining each school’s individual character and focus on pupils.
Writing to parents and carers, Ms West described leading the Trust as “the greatest privilege” of her professional life, but said she felt “now is the right time” to hand over to a new leader.
An interim CEO will be appointed from within the existing senior leadership team for around 18 months to provide continuity during consultation and transition. Ms West will continue to support key priorities over the summer term before formally retiring.
She said she leaves with “a heart full of gratitude” and confidence in the Trust’s future.