A multi-academy trust that is set to take charge of two troubled Swindon schools has announced a new CEO.

Gemma Piper will take on the top job at The Park Academies Trust in September, when the group will officially become the new managers of the Deanery Academy and the Kingfisher primary school and nursery in Wichelstowe.

In March, the Diocese of Bristol Academy Trust agreed to cease operations and transfer its ownership of the two educational facilities following a damning Inadequate Ofsted report.

The Park Academies Trust was the Department for Education's preferred choice of new owners because of its “strong record in school development”. Its new CEO joins the team from a similar role as head of a trust in Berkshire where she built a reputation for school improvement and development and fostered a culture of community and civic collaboration.

Gemma Piper's career in education as a computing teacher. Then, as a headteacher, she led a large secondary school on its journey from a Requires Improvement grade to the highest possible mark of Outstanding, and she is also a serving Ofsted inspector.

Along with the two new additions to the trust, she will oversee six other schools, including Bridlewood and Highworth Warneford.

Interim CEO James Nicholson will stay on in his previous role as deputy CEO and director of finance and operations.

James thanked staff, parents, carers and families for their support during the six-month appointment process.

The Park Academies Trust CEO Gemma Piper said: “I am thrilled to be joining The Park Academies Trust.

“I’m looking forward to meeting headteachers, staff, pupils, parents and carers across our trust as soon as I can.

“I’m joining a time when TPAT is growing in size thanks to its strong reputation for school improvement and due to the dedication and commitment of staff within a supportive community in Swindon.

“I can’t wait to start and continue to help all our pupils achieve their goals and dreams.”

Deputy CEO James Nicholson added: “It’s been a real privilege to be interim CEO during the last six months and I’m delighted to welcome Gemma Piper and I’m looking forward to supporting her as she begins in the new role.

“We’ve seen much improved Ofsted ratings and impressive exam results and I’m certain the trust will continue to go from strength to strength with Gemma as our new CEO.”