Movers and Shakers

Unity names new CEO following Coulson’s departure

Boss of private school group set to become 40-school trust's chief executive

Boss of private school group set to become 40-school trust's chief executive

3 Nov 2025, 16:01

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The chief executive of a group representing private school headteachers is set to succeed Dr Tim Coulson at the Unity Schools Partnership academy trust.

The 40-school trust has named Dominic Norrish as its new CEO after long-term boss Coulson left to become director general of the Department for Education’s regions group.

Norrish – who will move into the position in the new year – said he is “excited … to play a role supporting the brilliant work done by staff” across the trust’s secondary, primary and special schools.

“Having spent almost all of my adult life living in East Anglia, I feel privileged to contribute to the success of its next generation.”

Dr Tim Coulson

Having trained as a history teacher, Norrish worked in classroom and leadership roles in a number of state schools. He was a member of United Learning Trust’s executive team for 10 years, working as its COO for the latter half of that period.

With 93 schools on its books, ULT is England’s biggest trust.

Norrish is currently CEO of IAPS, a headteachers’ association representing 650 independent schools in the UK and overseas.

Unity’s board highlighted his “wealth of experience and deep commitment to the organisation’s core values”.

Trust chair Chris Quinn also thanked “everyone who has provided support and leadership during the recent interim period”.

“Their commitment and resilience have been vital in maintaining the stability and momentum of our schools.”

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