News5th May 2026

Lucy Heller to step down as CEO of Ark after 22 years

Ark has announced that Chief Executive Lucy Heller has decided to step down at the end of the current academic year, after a 22-year tenure during which Ark has become one of the UK’s most influential education charities.

Lucy joined Ark in its early days when it had a small portfolio of local and international partnerships in social care, health (HIV treatment) and education programmes. Over time, Ark pivoted to focus on education, becoming one of the largest and highest performing multi academy trusts (MATs) in the UK, and a leading voice in education reform.

Under Lucy’s leadership, Ark has incubated 21 ventures, including Maths Mastery, Ark Curriculum Plus, Ark Teacher Training and Ark Start. Collectively, these ventures, partnerships and directly operated programmes have cumulatively impacted over 5.5 million children in the UK, and reach over 45 million children globally each year.

Educating nearly double the national average of children eligible for free school meals, Ark has consistently ranked among the top MATs for Key Stage 2 outcomes and has the best progress and attainment figures for a large MAT at both A-level and BTEC. Eighty-five percent of Ark’s Year 13 students progress to university, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds are six times more likely to progress to a top third university than their disadvantaged peers nationally.

Lucy’s conviction and commitment to educational parity will have a lasting impact beyond Ark. Ark’s curriculum thinking and approach to developing teachers and leaders influences schools across the country, while EdCity – Ark’s ambitious civic partnership in West London – brings together mission aligned organisations and individuals from the education and charitable sectors to collaborate, partner and work together for the benefit of all children.

Tina Alexandrou, Chair of the Board for Ark Schools:

“Lucy has dedicated more than two decades to making sure that children get the education they deserve. Not only has she grown a network of successful schools where young people can truly flourish, but her influence on the wider sector – as a credible voice and tireless champion of educational equity – is substantial.”

Ian Wace, Chair of the Board for Ark:

“Lucy’s willingness to collaborate, innovate and push for systemic change will leave an enduring mark on education – in the UK and around the world. We are very grateful for all she’s given to Ark over 22 years and will miss her hugely. We all started the journey of Ark Schools together and she has shaped what it is today. Ark will stand proudly as a legacy of her endeavour.”

Ark to appoint two new CEOs

Ark is growing fast, expanding its network of schools and nurseries across the country as well as continuing to develop innovative programmes for the sector as a whole. To support this ambition, the Boards have decided to appoint two CEOs: one to lead Ark, the wider charity, and one to lead Ark Schools, the multi-academy trust. This will give each entity the focus it requires, while maintaining the close collaboration between schools and ventures that has long been central to Ark’s success.

The Boards are working with Saxton Bampfylde, an executive recruitment agency, for both roles.