Adrian Rodgers will step down as chief executive of Chiltern Learning Trust after 11 years following its merger with Inspiring Futures through Learning (IFtL).
Sarah Bennett, who is currently CEO of IFtL, will lead the new 43-school trust after the Department for Education formally approved the merger, which was first revealed by Vlog.
The new trust, which is yet to be named, will educate 24,000 pupils across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Luton, Milton Keynes and North Northamptonshire.
Mr Rodgers has led Chiltern Learning Trust since 2015, when it only had three schools. It has since grown to 21 academies.
The merger is expected to be finalised in 2027, with 29 primary schools, three middle schools, 10 secondaries and one all-through school.
Values and experience
Mr Rodgers said: “Leading Chiltern Learning Trust has been the privilege of my career. I want to thank our communities, staff and volunteers, who make such a profound difference in the places we serve.
“Bringing our two trusts together will extend that opportunity to even more children. In Sarah, the new trust has a leader with the values and experience to make it a success, and I look forward to seeing it continue to thrive.”
Ms Bennett founded IFtL in 2016 and now runs 20 primaries and one all-through school.
She said: “Every child deserves to learn in a great school and be part of a community that champions them. I am delighted to have the Department for Education’s support to realise that vision as one trust.
“Over the coming year, we will plan carefully together to keep the best of what both organisations already do while realising the opportunity for even greater impact.”
Ms Bennett added: “I would also like to pay a personal tribute to Adrian. His leadership has been central to shaping our plans for the merger, and the trust he has built gives us a remarkable foundation.”
Foundations laid
Chiltern Learning Trust ended the 2024-25 financial year with a surplus of £1.7 million and £7.8 million in reserves.
IFtL had an in-year surplus of £2 million in 2024-25 and £3.4 million in reserves.
Graham Pryor, Chiltern Learning Trust’s chair of trustees, said: “Adrian has led with integrity, warmth and an unshakeable belief in what young people can achieve, and countless pupils, families and colleagues have benefited from 36 years of his commitment to education.
“He leaves the trust in excellent health and the foundations he has laid will help the new trust go from strength to strength.”
