A Swindon based trust with dozens of schools across Wiltshire has announced its new CEO.

The board of trustees for the White Horse Federation, a multi-academy trust of both primary and secondary schools, has selected Dr Dan Nicholls as its latest chief executive.

The trust is responsible for 31 schools with many in Wiltshire, including The Ridgeway School in Swindon, Devizes School, and Melksham Oak Community School.

Dr Nicholls will take up the position on September 1.

He is currently deputy CEO at Cabot Learning Federation in Bristol, where he has overseen education at primaries, secondaries, post-16, and special schools.

Previously Dr Nicholls worked as deputy head at Devizes School.

He said: “I am honoured and privileged to be appointed as the new chief executive of The White Horse Federation.

“This is an important and exciting time for the trust, and I look forward to leading it into the next phase.

“The trust has a long history in the sector and there is currently a unique opportunity to do something important for children, families, and the communities that the trust serves.

“Every day committed and dedicated colleagues across White Horse enhance the lives of children.

“I look forward to leading and enabling all colleagues across the Trust to collaborate and improve the life chances of young people.”

The White Horse Federation described Dr Nicholls as a “respected educationalist” with experience in the southwest.

Dr Nicholls believes this experience will help him drive the trust into a “successful next phase.”

He added: “Over the last ten years I have benefitted enormously from my time at Cabot Learning Federation, where I have learnt much and been inspired by numerous colleagues.

“I will take this and other experiences into the role at White Horse, to build a great organisation.

“The foundations are already in place and the conditions exist that will enable the trust to move forward with confidence and into a successful next phase.

“I look forward to building relationships with colleagues, understanding the trust and to establishing The White Horse Federation as a leading trust in our sector.”

Chair of trustees Nina Gibson said she was “delighted” with the appointment.

She added: “The next chapter for The White Horse Federation will be an exciting one as we execute our strategy to unleash the potential of every child and to become the best academy trust in the region.

“I also want to put on record the board’s sincere gratitude to Simon Cowley our interim chief executive, leading with a calm and reassuring authority.”