THE chief executive of the trust that manages some of our most successful schools is to leave the organisation.

Hernandez Estrada, of the Pioneer Educational Trust (PET), which manages Windsor’s Trevelyan School in Wood Close, Upton Court Grammar School and Slough’s Foxborough Primary, is to leave the Trust at the end of the academic year to be closer to her elderly mother, who lives in Madrid.

Mrs Estrada, who is a former headteacher of Upton Court Grammar School, will become headteacher of the British Council School, Madrid, from September 2018.

Speaking about her departure, Mrs Estrada said: “I will be very sad to leave this school. It is a very special place that has raised to the challenge of being a true leading educational establishment. I have enjoyed serving its students, its community and the wonderful staff from whom I have learnt a great deal.”

Mrs Estrada first became headteacher of Upton Court Grammar in 2010, and left the headteacher’s post in 2017 to become the chief of PET. At the end of 2017, the school was ranked in the top 10 schools nationally by the Department of Education.

Mrs Estrada, speaking on the school’s success, said: “This has been the result of curriculum changes implemented six years ago, as well as a strong focus on holistic education, alongside exceptional teaching and learning.

“This has enabled our students to exceed even our highest expectations.”

Speaking on her return to her native Spain, Mrs Estrada said: “It will be a different challenge in my country of birth, going back to my roots – but with rich experiences after almost three decades of working in England.”

PET chairman, Nigel Miller, said: “Mrs Estrada has led the trust and schools within it with passion, determination and moral purpose. We are very grateful for her contribution to Upton Court Grammar School during her tenure as principal, and to the trust schools as chief executive.”

After Mrs Estrada’s departure, the PET will be managed jointly by two deputy chief executives, Eddie Neighbour and Analise Spinks.

A new chief executive will not be recruited.