Julian Appleyard to no longer take up David Ross CEO role
From 1 September, deputy chief executive Simon Rose will serve as interim chief executive and chief accounting officer
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David Ross Education Trust has revealed that Julian Appleyard will no longer take up the role as its chief executive as planned from January 2026, following a change in personal circumstances.
The trust confirmed the development as it announced interim leadership arrangements, which will remain in place until a permanent appointment is made. Recruitment for the substantive post will restart in September.
Stuart Burns, the current chief executive, is due to step down at the end of August.
From 1 September, deputy chief executive Simon Rose will serve as interim chief executive and chief accounting officer.
Michael Elliott will become executive chair, chairing the DRET executive board, supporting Rose and the leadership team, and leading on key strategic priorities.
Elliott has more than 30 years’ experience as a chief executive across a range of organisations, with a track record in interim leadership and trustee roles in secondary, post-16 and higher education.
The board of trustees said its priority was to ensure “continuity and stability” for pupils and students across the trust, while maintaining “pace and focus” into the new academic year.