Trustee​/Director

Rainham Mark Education Trust (RMET) is a small but ambitious trust based in Gillingham, Kent, comprising one grammar school and two primary schools, all of which were judged at least Good in their most recent Ofsted inspections. Riverside Primary School was inspected in June 2025 and was rated Outstanding for Behaviour & Attitudes and Personal Development. The Trust provides education across the full 3–19 age range, and its schools are proud of their inclusive ethos and strong community connections.

Twydall Primary & Nursery School continues to adjust to the local falling birth rate, now operating two classes in Years 5 and 6 and one form of entry elsewhere. Part of the site has recently been vacated by a local free school, and discussions are underway with the local authority about repurposing some of the space for a specialist SEND unit.

Two of the Trust’s existing schools already house specialist SEND provision, supporting pupils with hearing impairment and physical disabilities, and consequently have a higher-than‑average proportion of pupils with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).

The Trust has faced a period of transition, including a proposed merger with another trust that did not proceed. An independent review has been commissioned to help Members and Trustees evaluate the Trust’s long‑term direction, with findings expected to be shared at the December 2025 Board meeting.

RMET’s leadership and governance structures have recently strengthened under a new Chair of Trustees, appointed in summer 2025. The Chair joined the Board in 2023 and now works alongside three new Trustees, including two serving headteachers and one DfE‑nominated Trustee who is CEO of a 37‑school trust. The Board has benefited from this refreshed mix of perspectives and expertise and now wishes to appoint two new Trustees and two new Members to further strengthen its capacity and independence as it sets the future strategy for the Trust.

The Chief Executive Officer currently serves on an interim basis (two days per week) and is also the substantive CEO of a larger, established multi‑academy trust. This interim arrangement is in place until summer 2026, providing stability and experienced leadership while the Board considers future executive structures.

Financially, RMET has been operating with an in‑year deficit but has sufficient reserves to meet its costs. The new Chair and interim CEO are working closely with school leaders to implement tighter financial controls, ensuring spending is managed effectively and aligned with pupil needs. The Trust’s overall income is approximately £17.5 million per annum, and finances are now stable, though careful oversight remains essential.

The Board currently operates with two committees:

• Finance, Audit & Risk (FAR)
• Quality of Education (QoE)

Each committee meets three times per year, in addition to four full Board meetings annually. The Trust may consider commissioning a formal External Review of Governance later in 2025, depending on the outcome of the independent strategic review.

RMET is seeking to appoint two Trustees and two Members to strengthen its governance structure at a key point in the Trust’s journey.

The Trust wishes to appoint two Trustees with strong financial or business acumen. Candidates should have experience managing significant budgets and bring a firm understanding of company finance, financial controls, and value‑for‑money principles. While formal accountancy qualifications are not essential, candidates must be able to interpret financial information, assess risk, and provide effective scrutiny and challenge to the Trust’s Chief Financial Officer and Chief Executive Officer.

Previous Board or committee experience would be advantageous, as would an understanding of education or charitable governance, though neither is essential. Trustees will play a vital role in helping to stabilise and strengthen the Trust, supporting its financial resilience and overall strategic direction.

Meetings and Time Commitment:

All meetings are face‑to‑face, held at Twydall Primary School, Gillingham (ME8 6JS
), with a hybrid (video conference) option for those unable to attend in…