Helen Arya announced as Oasis Community Learning’s first ever Chief Education Officer

We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Helen Arya as the new Chief Education Officer (CEdO). With over 30 years of extensive experience in education and a remarkable track record in school improvement and leadership, Helen Arya is set to lead Oasis into a new era of educational excellence and community transformation.

Helen Arya has been an integral part of Oasis Community Learning for the past 13 years, contributing significantly to the growth and success of one of the largest Multi-Academy Trusts in England. She initially joined Oasis as a successful Headteacher, playing a pivotal role in establishing and improving academies serving some of the most disadvantaged communities in the country.

As a Headteacher for 15 years, and a Regional Director leading 10 academies in the North-West, Helen has demonstrated a profound commitment to educational transformation alongside her work as a National Leader of Education and Teaching School founder. In her most recent role as National Director of Learning and Development, Helen established our learning and development function and was an integral part of the launch of the National Institute for Teaching, where she has supported the establishment of the South & West campus as well as programme development and delivery, including the National Professional Qualification programmes, which were recently rated as Outstanding by Ofsted.

Helen’s appointment was part of a robust and in-depth recruitment process, led by external recruitment experts, Saxton Bampfylde. The process involved 25 Oasis colleagues from different levels of the organisation, including at board level.

Helen Arya, Chief Education Officer & Deputy CEO says:

“Social mobility is my key driver. I want to ensure that everybody has equity of achievement and attainment, and the best possible life chances wherever they are growing up. I truly believe that everybody can achieve their full potential, but this will only happen with a robust, sustainable, school-led system where school leaders and teachers are supported to be the best that they can be, for themselves and their communities.

I am really excited to get started in this new role. I am lucky enough to spend every day working with some of the most passionate and compassionate people in education and I know that together we are going to do brilliant work.”

John Barneby, Chief Executive said:

“Helen Arya is an inspiring leader who makes change happen. As well as an impressive track record, Helen is also brimming with ideas. Her passion for inclusive education is not just at the core of what she does but is central to who she is. I am confident that she will drive forward our education function with speed and real clarity and I look forward to working closely with Helen, to make sure that every Oasis pupil is given the best opportunity to flourish and reach their God-given potential.'

As Chief Education Officer, Helen Arya will work closely with the Oasis executive team, the Board of Trustees, and key stakeholders to implement the next phase of the strategic plan, ensuring that Oasis continues to be a leader in educational innovation and community engagement.