Olympus Academy Trust, based in Bradley Stoke and with nine schools across the Bristol and South Gloucestershire area, has appointed a new chief executive.
Claire Moloney-Banks has been interim CEO since last September and took up her new position at the start of the summer term. She stepped in following the death of the trust’s founding CEO, Dave Baker, in August 2025.
Claire has been with Olympus since 2016, when she joined as an executive headteacher, and was appointed deputy CEO and director of education in 2022.
Sarah Williams, chair of the Olympus trust board, said: “Throughout a rigorous and extensive selection process, Claire has demonstrated the vision, integrity and leadership needed to guide our organisation into its next chapter. The board believes that Claire will build on our strengths, champion our values and lead with the ambition and care our community deserves.”
Commenting on her appointment, Claire said: “Being asked to lead the Olympus Academy Trust is a great honour. This community matters deeply to me, and I am privileged to serve it.
“My vision is simple and clear: that every child, in every school, is known, seen and supported to thrive; that our staff and community are valued, nurtured and empowered; and that our Trust continues to stand for equity, belonging and excellence in all we do.
“Together, we will build on strong foundations and shape a future that gives every learner the confidence, agency and opportunity to succeed.”
The Olympus Academy Trust has more than 800 staff and 7,000 learners across its nine schools serving communities in Bristol and South Gloucestershire.