THE CEO of the Academy that runs 10 schools in Salisbury and the surrounding area will retire this year. 

Sarah Busby, CEO of the Magna Learning Partnership (MLP), has led the Trust since its formation in April 2017.

But Ms Busby has decided to step down in August. 

The MLP's schools include Amesbury Primary School, Amesbury Archer Primary School. Bemerton St John C of E Primary School, Old Sarum Primary School, Pembroke Park Primary School, Salisbury 6th Form College, Sarum Academy, The New Forest School, The Trafalgar School, and Wyvern St Edmund’s Academy. 

Neil Owen, Chairman of the Trust, said: “Sarah was the catalyst behind the formation of MLP. Her commitment to raising standards of education for all children and young people in the Salisbury area, coupled with her collaborative style of management, has brought eleven schools together into a thriving and successful partnership.

"One of which being Salisbury Sixth Form College (S6C) which Sarah helped to established via the free school process in 2014. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Sarah for her outstanding accomplishments and for building a legacy that will benefit thousands of families for many years to come”.

Salisbury Journal:

Ian Tucker will formally take up the post of CEO from September 1.

Mr Tucker has been Executive Principal of St John’s School, Marlborough and The John O’Gaunt School, Hungerford since January 2019.

He has more than 20 years of experience running both primary and secondary schools across the country and is currently the chairman of the Wiltshire Secondary School Headteachers’ Association.

He is also currently a Trustee for The Athelstan Trust.

Mr Tucket said: "The opportunity to build on the legacy that Sarah has founded with the MLP Trust Board is exciting. Expanding on the distinctive qualities that make this Trust special to Salisbury, its surrounding areas, and the young people it serves will be an honour.

"I look forward to working closely with the Board, the wider Trust and the community, to preserve what is important and to lead MLP on the next phase in its journey.”

Mr Owen added: “The Trust Board are delighted to be appointing Ian to the role of CEO.

"Ian is a highly respected executive leader and is well-known in the Wiltshire area. His management style, values and ambition for improving the educational landscape are a perfect fit for MLP. We look forward to welcoming Ian to our partnership.”

MLP added that Ian will work with Sarah and the executive leadership team over the coming months to ensure "a smooth transition".