New CEO Appointed To Take Prosper Learning Trust Forward

We are delighted to announce that Chris Richardson was appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Prosper Learning Trust by Trustees at the end of September.

Chris (pictured left) brings a wealth of experience, having worked in education for 33 years, 23 of those in senior leadership roles, including 11 years as a Headteacher in a large mainstream secondary school.

Chris joined Prosper Learning Trust in June 2020 as Executive Headteacher for Mary Astell Academy and Newcastle Bridges School, before taking on the Chief Executive Officer role on an interim basis this time last year.

Chris’ ambition to build upon the progress made in the last year and to further realise the Trust’s considerable potential, was at the core of his desire to continue the role permanently. Having put in place a new three-year strategic plan and made considerable progress against many of its aims, Chris is keen to secure that improvement and strive for even greater progress in the coming years. Chris’ appointment establishes a period of continuity and stability for the Trust in a dynamic and challenging educational landscape.

Chris Richardson commented "It is an honour and a privilege to have been asked to continue my work as CEO on a permanent basis. Prosper Learning Trust is a leading advocate for vulnerable young people and their families across the North East of England. Our work is therefore crucially important, and our people are passionate, skilled and highly motivated. To lead such an organisation, and to work alongside such inspiring colleagues is a wonderful opportunity and to be able to play even a small part in helping to improve the lives of the young people we work with is a challenge we all relish. The Prosper values of aspiration, integrity, kindness and resilience are at the heart of everything we do, and I hope to repay the faith shown in me by embodying them every day in the work that my colleagues and I do."

Joanne Clifford-Swan (pictured right), Chair of Trustees for Prosper Learning Trust, said "The Trustees are delighted to appoint Chris Richardson to the position of CEO of Prosper Learning Trust. Chris has a wealth of experience, not least having led the Trust in an acting capacity for the past 12 months. We look forward to working with him to continue the success of the Trust for the benefit of its pupils and their families."