Founding CEO RIchard Sheriff retires after a decade leading our Trust
Posted 12th February 2026
After a decade of leadership, Richard Sheriff has retired from his role as Chief Executive Officer of Red Kite Learning Trust, marking the end of a significant chapter in the Trust’s history.
Since founding the Trust in 2015, Richard has overseen its growth to 16 schools across North and West Yorkshire, helping to establish a strong, values-driven organisation focused on collaboration, ambition and excellence for children and young people. Prior to becoming CEO, he served as Headteacher of Harrogate Grammar School and Temple Moor High School, and has also played a prominent national role in education, including two terms as President of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL).
Richard’s final half-term was marked by a number of moments involving pupils and colleagues from across the Trust. He attended a meeting of the Trust’s Youth Board at Temple Learning Academy, joined by pupil representatives from every Red Kite Learning Trust school. Pupils led the session and shared presentations they had prepared, including a poem reflecting on the impact Richard has had on education and young people’s lives, a guitar performance from a talented pupil, and reflections on his long-standing commitment to sustainability and climate change education.
Pupils also presented a number of gifts, including a large jigsaw map featuring all Red Kite Learning Trust schools, alongside a branded hedgehog hut created by pupils at Coppice Valley Primary School – highlighting the Trust’s continued focus on environmental responsibility and biodiversity.
Richard also returned to the classroom for one final lesson, teaching Year 7 geography at Rossett School. The lesson explored the geography of Harrogate, tracing the town’s development as a spa destination and introducing pupils to key geographical vocabulary, with pupils responding enthusiastically to his engaging and passionate teaching.
To mark his contribution to the Trust, colleagues also gathered at the Trust’s central offices, where one of the meeting rooms has been formally renamed in Richard’s honour. He was presented with a commemorative plaque recognising his role in founding Red Kite Learning Trust and his decade of leadership and service.
Writing to parents, Chris Tulley, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said:
“The Board of Trustees would like to thank Richard for his outstanding leadership, vision and dedication. Red Kite Learning Trust would not be what it is today without his tireless commitment to nurturing ambition, delivering excellence and enriching the lives of children and young people across all of our schools.”
Trustees and Headteachers from across the Trust have also gathered this week to say farewell and to celebrate Richard’s contribution to Red Kite Learning Trust and the wider education community.
