19
May
Richard Sheriff announces retirement
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Richard Sheriff, chief executive of Red Kite Learning Trust, has announced he is to leave the role at the end of the year.
Mr Sheriff, a former headteacher of Harrogate Grammar School, is the founding chief executive of the trust, which now serves more than 10,000 children in 16 schools in Leeds and North Yorkshire.
A trust press release today announcing his departure said he had decided to “retire from his leadership position and look to pursue his many other interests both within and beyond education”.
It added trustees were looking to appoint a new leader to start in January 2026 or soon after and Mr Sheriff will continue to fulfil his duties until then.
Mr Sheriff, who received an OBE in 2023 for services to education, said:
It is really hard to even think about moving away from an organisation and profession I love but we all must find the right time to pass on the responsibility to the next generation. Red Kite Learning Trust has always been a collaborative organisation, and its growth and success has been the result of the efforts of many, not least those who deliver every day to the children we serve in the diverse settings we support.
“A new leader means a chance for fresh ideas, energy and a new beginning but I am reassured that our trustees will ensure that our values remain non-negotiable. I have been supported brilliantly by an excellent senior leadership team who have worked incredibly hard for me and our trust, I am truly indebted to them and know that they will ensure a safe transition under the new leadership. It has been a privilege to work with the talented and committed headteachers who lead our schools and all the wonderful colleagues across all our settings.
After almost 25 years leading schools, I feel the time is right to step aside and let others take on the privileges and challenges that come with leadership at this scale.
The trust supports primary and secondary schools in Leeds and Harrogate as well as taking a lead role in the Red Kite Alliance, a partnership of over 50 schools across North and West Yorkshire.
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