GLF Schools has appointed a new CEO, who arrives from the Department for Education.

The trust, which runs 43 academies (comprising 35 primaries and eight secondaries), will be led by Warwick Sharp, following the resignation of Julian Drinkall in May 2025.

Mr Sharp is currently director of strategy and delivery at the DfE and is due to start his new role in May.

“I am extremely honoured to be appointed as the new CEO of one of the largest multi-academy trusts in the country,” he said.

“GLF Schools has a strong record of delivering an excellent education to all of our students and providing solid support to all the schools in the trust. I see my new role as a huge privilege and look forward to building on the continuing success of GLF Schools.”

New CEO brings experience in ‘strategic evolution’

Mr Sharp was previously director of academies and maintained schools at the DfE and the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) from 2020 to 2023.

Previously, he was the interim CEO for the ESFA and principal private secretary to three education secretaries.

He began his career as a secondary school teacher and served as a governor of an education group.

Ian Wilson, chair of trustees at GLF Schools, said: “We were impressed by Warwick’s clear alignment with our mission and values, as well as his record in leading complex organisations through strategic evolution.”

James Nicholson, the trust’s interim CEO, will return to his role as chief financial officer.

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