Current vacancies

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) - January 2026

Our CEO, Rob Lightfoot, has announced that he will step down in August 2026 after nearly five years leading NACE. Rob’s tenure as CEO has been defined by a passionate commitment to the work of schools and educators for their more able learners: he has expanded NACE’s professional development and networking opportunities, brought new schools into our Challenge Award family, championed initiatives to ensure more able learners thrive – no matter their background –  and spearheaded collaborative research such as the Making Space for Able Learners initiative, with a focus on supporting high-ability pupils facing disadvantage. 

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to express our profound gratitude to Rob for his leadership and dedicated service. His commitment to educational excellence and to NACE’s values has been evident in everything he does. Rob’s legacy – from enhanced member resources to new partnerships – has enriched our network and will benefit schools and learners for years to come. Rob’s dedication and vision have made a tangible difference. He has reinforced NACE’s role as a leading voice in more able education, always keeping the needs of schools and learners at the heart of our work. We want to thank Rob for everything he has achieved; all with the aim of improving educational opportunities for more able learners. We are immensely grateful for his leadership, extend our heartfelt thanks and wish him every success for the future.”
– Amy Whittall, Chair of Trustees 

Looking ahead, the Board of Trustees has begun the process of recruiting NACE’s next CEO. We are committed to finding a successor who will build on Rob’s excellent work and continue to drive NACE’s mission forward. Rob will remain as CEO until August 2026, ensuring continuity in the coming months. We will keep all members and partners updated on the transition.

If you are interested in applying, please see below for the job advert and job description along with details of how to apply.

Job advert

Job description

NACE Associates

NACE Associates are individuals who work with NACE on the development and delivery of research, CPD and workshop programmes. They are typically self-employed individuals (or employed by a school/LA/charity) who are paid at an agreed consultant rate (set at the beginning of each academic year).

All NACE Associates must hold NACE membership. If currently working in a school or other organisation which is a NACE member, the Associate is covered by this. If not, the Associate must hold individual membership, which currently costs £85.00 +VAT per year. This provides a login to the NACE website for access to our online resources and recorded webinars; access to additional member benefits such as member meetups; a dedicated termly email newsletter for Associates; and a termly online briefing session providing CPD and networking opportunities.

To learn more and apply to become a NACE Associate, please download the following documents:

• NACE Associate: role description
• NACE Associate: application form

Completed application forms should be submitted to cpd@nace.co.uk

Following review of your application, you may be invited to a discussion with representatives of our senior team to explore the role and mutual fit in more detail.

Find out more