A NEW chief executive has been selected to lead the Futura Learning Partnership.

Gary Schlick will take over the role from Andrea Arlidge when she retires in September.

Mr Schlick has been a headteacher and executive leader in the trust for five years, including a spell as CEO of the Clevedon Learning Trust as it joined forces with Futura.

He has a range of experience and knowledge from his 30 years of working in schools, 10 of which was spent as headteacher of Bedminster Down School in Bristol.

Speaking about his excitement for the new role, Mr Schlick said: “I have been privileged to be part of the developments that have helped us become such a strong trust.

“I strongly believe in the values and aims of Futura: to foster an environment of academic excellence, innovation, and inclusivity, where every student has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.
 
“I am continually inspired by the unswerving dedication and passion of our staff.  We are a committed team, determined to make a positive impact on the lives of our pupils and the broader community.

“My career has been focused on making a difference to children and young people.

“I have seen firsthand the power of collaboration; the additional value to be gained from being part of a trust, a family of schools.  We achieve so much more together than we ever could as a single school.

“I am eager to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure the success and growth of our academy trust.”

Malcolm Broad, chairman of Futura’s board, said: “Gary Schlick has been appointed to this crucial and important role following a robust recruitment process.

"We are sure he will prove a worthy successor to our founding chief executive Andrea Arlidge, whose dedication to the education system in our region has made a huge impact on countless lives.”

The Futura Learning Partnership is responsible for more than 10,000 children aged two to 19 and around 1,500 staff in its 27 schools in the region.

The organisation's website reads: "Futura is an inclusive trust and welcomes all children. We have a dedicated Special Educational Needs and Disabilities lead who works across all schools to ensure children’s needs are met.

"We have a strong track record in school improvement and work closely with the five local authorities in the areas we serve: Somerset, North Somerset, Bath & North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Bristol."