Emma Pritchard was appointed as CEO of The Black Pear Trust in 2021; a successful executive leader who has worked in a diverse range of educational establishments and is deeply committed to education and the entire Trust community. Emma has a proven track record of driving effective and rapid school improvement within and outside of The Black Pear Trust. The Black Pear Trust originally grew through the sponsorship of schools; by implementing robust school improvement strategies, creating and developing capacity, fostering a culture of high expectations and a shared commitment to positive change Emma has been able to ensure schools achieve rapid and sustained progress. This approach coupled with a commitment to collaboration across the Trust has enabled schools to share best practice, access effective support and deliver significant improvement in teaching and learning for the benefit of children and young people. Working alongside local authorities Emma has built effective strategic networks to enable Trust growth and to support other schools to drive improved education. Through creating capacity to deliver school-to-school support Emma has ensured the Trust is able to support and develop other local schools in challenging circumstances – always with a view to developing a quality education offer that supports all learners. Emma has built strong relationships with local authority partners, further and higher education providers, the DFE, community organisations such as housing trusts and other key organisations with knowledge of local area to best support the children and families within the Trust, but also to positively influence education and the communities the Trust serves.