THE Chief Executive of a high-profile academies trust has left his post after just five months in the top job.

Phil Minns took the reins at the Ambitions Academies Trust in August following the retirement of Brian Hooper in August.

At the time he said he felt "very privileged" to be appointed and that he was "eager to join the strong team which is so committed to its pupils achieving their full potential."

No reason has been given for his departure but Sian Thomas, the Executive Principal of St Aldhelm's Academy in Poole, has stepped in as interim Chief Executive Officer.

Sian has been replaced as Principal of St Aldhelm's by Job Webb, a former Vice Principal there.

The Trust has a reputation for turning around failing schools and currently runs St Aldhelm's Academy, Tregonwell Academy, Queens Park Academy, Kings Park Academy, Longspee special school and Manorside Academy.

One of its senior staff is currently seconded to Bournemouth's only free school, Parkfield.

Pat Marchiori, chair of trustees at Ambitions Academies Trust, said: "Phil Minns has left his position as CEO of Ambitions Academies Trust to pursue other interests. Sian Thomas, executive principal of St Aldhelm’s Academy, is in place as interim CEO. We would like to record our thanks to Phil for his major contribution to the Trust."

Mr Minns has a wealth of educational knowledge and was the Assistant Director of Children's Services at Dorset County Council before taking up the role at AAT.

He also has experience of helping inadequate schools in a former role as a government inspector and has been a head teacher at three Dorset schools, including Ferndown First School.

Mr Minns replaced Brian Hooper, who was awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours list for services to education.