HFL Education, formerly Herts for Learning Limited, have today announced the appointment of Carole Bennett as their new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to succeed Andrew de Csilléry.
Carole has over 30 years’ experience working in and with schools and is driven by a dedication to provide the very best educational opportunities for all children. She currently holds the role of Chief Executive Officer of the Diocese of St Albans Multi Academy Trust, working with thirteen schools of all phases, spanning four Local Authority areas.
Carole previously worked within the retail and service sectors, and spent more than 20 years leading and delivering school improvement and support services, working with a wide range of stakeholders, including maintained, academy and free schools. She also previously worked for Herts for Learning, heading up their Business Development and Business Services directorates, prior to taking her current post in 2019.
Carole expressed, “I am proud to be joining HFL Education as the new CEO. The organisation is a unique school improvement company, which has a long, strong history of working with schools to improve standards and outcomes for all children and young people. To lead such a respected, values-led organisation, with incredibly skilled and highly regarded staff, is an absolute honour and privilege.”
Chair of the HFL Education Board, Professor Paul Layzell, said, “On behalf of the Board of HFL Education, I am delighted to be able to announce that Carole Bennett will be joining as CEO of HFL Education from 1st May 2023. We are excited about Carole’s appointment and supporting her leadership in delivering on our purpose, values, ambition and strategy”.
Current Chief Executive, Andrew de Csilléry, leaves HFL Education on 31st March having announced his intention to step-down in the Autumn. Paul paid tribute to Andrew’s contribution after 6 years in post, “Andrew has helped shape HFL Education during a critical period of its development. He leaves the organisation in great shape, as it continues to implement its new strategy and widen our support to schools, trusts and education settings. The Board has greatly valued Andrew’s leadership and wishes him every success in the next stage of his career.”
Andrew commented, “I am delighted to be handing over the leadership of HFL Education to Carole. Over many years, Carole has demonstrated that she puts the interests of schools, trusts and educational settings at the heart of her work, at the same time as knowing how to build organisations and services that are strong and sustainable. Carole is committed to helping HFL Education realise its strategic goals and to build on the achievements of the past ten years. Ensuring that all young people receive a great education is more important than ever, and HFL Education plays a critical role to do this in Hertfordshire and further afield, now more than ever in these challenging times. I wish Carole and all my colleagues at HFL Education all the very best for the future.”
Carole will take up her post on 1st May. During the intervening period, Andrew Griffiths, HFL Chief Financial Officer will operate as Acting CEO.
About HFL Education
HFL Education is a leading national provider of school improvement and business support services, training, and resources, which enable schools, educational settings and multi-academy trusts to deliver a great education. We support those we work with to achieve successful long-term outcomes for their children. We believe that every young person, through access to a great education, should be able to realise their potential, regardless of where they live, their background or circumstances.
