The CEO of Excalibur Academy Trust will be stepping down at the end of the year, following a nine-year run.

Nicky Edmondson has been CEO of the trust, which oversees 20 schools in the South West, for the last nine years.

Prior to taking on the role, Ms Edmondson also worked as a headteacher at St John's Marlborough.

Now the former headteacher has formally announced her decision to step down from the role of CEO at the end of the year, in order to spend more time with her family.

The large academy trust, which was set up in 2012 and included two schools in Marlborough, consisted of only seven schools when Ms Edmondson became CEO.

The thriving academy trust now oversees 20 schools in Wiltshire, Bristol and Berkshire, after Excalibur merged with Gatehouse Green Learning Trust in 2022.

Wiltshire schools which will be impacted by the change include Burbage Primary School, Great Bedwyn CofE School, John O'Gaunt School, Ogbourne CofE Primary School, Oare CofE Primary School, Lambourn CofE Primary School, Liden Academy, Easton Royal Academy and St John's Marlborough, among others.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Nicky Edmundson will step down to spend more time with her family and doing the things she loves.Nicky Edmundson will step down to spend more time with her family and doing the things she loves. (Image: Excalibur Academy Trust)

“It is with a mixture of emotions that I have decided to step away from my role in order to spend more time with my family and to focus on other passions and interests," said Ms Edmondson.

"I have been privileged to work with a team of such dedicated, talented and compassionate colleagues whom I will miss very much.

“On the flip side, it is a time of optimism and promise for Excalibur, as we are on the search for a new CEO who shares a similar vision and determination to lead the Trust through its next exciting chapter.”

Ms Edmondson has received endless praise for her work as CEO and she will continue to carry out the role until the end of the school year, giving Excalibur Academy Trust time to recruit a new CEO.

“Nicky has been a phenomenal CEO," added Toby Watson, chair of trustees.

"She has led Excalibur with conviction, enthusiasm and integrity to our core principles throughout a period of strong growth to continue to provide an excellent education for all the children in our care.

"We look forward to recruiting and working with the successful candidate in a smooth transition ready for the new era in September 2024.”