A well-known CEO who oversaw his academy trust’s growth from three to 21 schools is set to step down, as his chain moves ahead with a large merger. Chiltern Learning Trust boss Adrian Rogers is due to leave the role he has held since 2015 at the end of this academic year. The announcement comes as his organisation prepares to join forces with 22-school chain Inspiring Futures through Learning (IFTL). The new trust will be led by IFTL chief Sarah Bennett. Adrian Rogers “I still love the job, and it’s extremely difficult to leave, but the timing is right,” Rogers said. “Leading Chiltern Learning Trust has been the privilege of my career.” ‘Central’ role Chiltern has expanded from three to 21 schools under Rogers. It operates two teaching school hubs as well as an attendance and behaviour hub and five SCITTs. Rogers has also been a national leader of education and a member of the Department for Education’s east of England advisory in recent years. The trust said he was “central” to bringing it together with IFTL. He will work with Bennett on transition plans for the rest of 2026-27. “In Sarah, the new trust has a leader with the values and experience to make it a success, and I look forward to seeing it continue to thrive,” Rogers added. Sarah Bennett Merger ‘next year’ The merger is expected to be completed next year. The new trust will have a different name. Bennett said she is “delighted to have the Department for Education’s support to realise that vision as one Trust”. Chiltern and IFTL will “plan carefully together to keep the best of what both organisations already do while realising the opportunity for even greater impact”.