EDUCATION expert Phil Minns will take the reins at the successful Ambitions Academies Trust when current boss Brian Hooper retires in August.

With a varied background in education, Mr Minns hopes to bring his wide-ranging experience to the chain, best known for turning around under-performing schools.

He is the current Assistant Director of Children’s Services at Dorset County Council, with a wide remit including responsibility for schools, vulnerable children and special educational needs.

Mr Minns also has experience of helping inadequate schools in a former role as a government inspector and has been a head teacher at three Dorset schools, including Ferndown First School.

The Trust is currently responsible for Tregonwell, Longspee, Queens Park, Kings Park, Manorside and St Aldhelm’s academies.

Mr Minns said: “I feel very privileged to be the next CEO of Ambitions Academies Trust.

“Brian Hooper has done a fantastic job and will certainly be a hard act to follow.

“I am very eager to join the strong team which is so committed to its pupils achieving their full potential.”

AAT’s Chair of Trustees, Mrs Pat Marchiori, said: “Brian’s contribution to the success of Ambitions and its academies has been immense and we are incredibly grateful to him for his vision, determination and hard work.

“Phil Minns’ current role gives him a good understanding of the current local education sector, the broader developments currently taking place and the overall direction of education in England.

“He has relentlessly pursued high quality education and care for all children in every role he has had and is committed to ensuring all children achieve the standards that they are capable of.We look forward to welcoming him in post.”

Mr Hooper, who is retiring after a career spanning 22 years, said: “I will be handing over this role to Phil in the full confidence that AAT is in a strong position, with our pupils across the Trust enjoying increasing success.

“I will miss the children, whom I have seen flourish across the Trust, and I will also be sorry to leave the talented staff and teachers. But I am very much looking forward to working with Phil in the coming months to ensure a seamless handover and to supporting the continued development of education nationally.”