Diverse Academies staff bid fond virtual farewell to chief executive after 42 years' service

Staff from Diverse Academies bid a fond virtual farewell to chief executive Chris Pickering as he retired from the education sector after 42 years’ service.

Mr Pickering has been at the helm of the organisation, a multi-academy trust in Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire, since its launch in 2011.

As head of Tuxford Academy, he played a key role in the foundation of the trust, which was the result of a long-standing partnership between his school and National Church of England Academy.

Between 2011 and 2019, the partnership grew to 14 academies, across all phases and settings of education.

Mr Pickering said: “It has been both an honour and a privilege to work with such a fantastic team at Diverse Academies, and with many other colleagues over my time in education.

“As an educator, students are at the heart of all that we do, and I have worked with so many inspirational colleagues who share these same values and work passionately to ensure all our students receive the very best possible education.

“I will sorely miss the entire team and will follow with interest the continuing progress of Diverse Academies. I am sure it will continue to go from strength to strength.”

Mr Pickering worked in schools across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and South Yorkshire, including three headships and an executive headship role.

He was head at Tuxford from 1996 and then executive head from 2007.

He has worked with the National Schools Commissioner’s Office on strategic development initiatives and worked to develop the relationships between Ofsted and regional schools commissioners.

David Cotton, incoming chief executive, said: “Chris has committed his entire career to the dedication of students’ development and outcomes, which, as a result, has seen many children’s lives improved by his hard work and selflessness.

“I am certain that the trust will continue to improve and develop, but the foundations are solid because of his work.

“While education has evolved significantly since Chris commenced his career in 1978, he retires having left his own indelible mark on the sector. Chris’s approach has been unique and often ahead of its time ­— and the success and strength of the Diverse Academies Trust is a real testament to his vision and leadership.”

Mr Pickering aims to spend his retirement travelling ­— when able ­— and gardening.