THE former chief executive officer (CEO) of an Oxfordshire schools trust has returned to oversee a trust merger.

Jolie Kirby was the CEO of Community Schools Alliance Trust (CSAT), until she was given a vote of no confidence by National Education Union (NEU) members in March.

The NEU had raised doubts about the leadership of CSAT after one of its schools projected a financial deficit of £900,000.

After 13 years of service with the school, Cheney School in Headington, Ms Kirby vacated her role as CEO.

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Now, it has been confirmed she is back on a ‘part-time basis’ to help oversee CSAT’s proposed merger with the River Learning Trust (RLT).

Liz Tyler-Bell, chair of trustees at CSAT, said: “After years of dedicated service to the schools forming part of the Community Schools Alliance Trust, following a trust decision to no longer continue with the CEO role, Ms Kirby agreed to step down from the role.

“She has, however, agreed to continue to support the schools on a part-time basis in their plan to join another trust.”

Ms Kirby was formerly head at Cheney before stepping up to lead the trust, after the school converted into an academy.

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Last month, RLT announced that CSAT had started a consultation process with stakeholders, to join RLT.

Stakeholders have until October 16 to fill in an online form and share their views on the proposal and raise any questions they may have.

Three online meetings will be held next week, with them recorded for those unable to attend.

CSAT currently also oversees Bayards Hill Primary School in Barton and the new Barton Park Primary School.