“Huge debt of gratitude” for departing CEO

At the end of June, Dr. Patrick Hazlewood is stepping down as Chief Executive Officer of the Excalibur Academies Trust (EAT).  He first moved to Marlborough in 1996 to become Principal of St John’s and formed the Excalibur Academies Trust in 2012. 

At a farewell held at St John’s School he said, “St John’s and the Trust have been my life for nearly a quarter of a century and I’m not sure how to cope without them…it’s like leaving my family and walking out into the wilderness.”

David Wilson, former Chair of Directors of EAT praised Dr Hazlewood’s qualities of leadership and his clear vision which had enabled the new St John’s to be built on one site.  “It was done,” he said, “against all the odds, including at one point greater crested newts (who were found on the prospective site)!”

“We owe him a huge debt.  He’s been a great person to work with, never seeing any obstacles.  All of us have a lot to thank him for.  Thousands of pupils all owe him a huge debt of gratitude.  If you seek a memorial just look around you.”

Dr Hazlewood thanked all those present for their hard work and commitment.  “My success is not my success at all,” he said.  “You are my success. I am immensely proud of the Trust.  It is a richly talented organisation led by outstanding principals who give everything.”

He also praised the governors and directors.  “You don’t become an outstanding Trust without strong and talented governance.”

“I am very sad to leave and will follow what happens with real interest.” 

Nicky Edmondson, the current Principal of St John’s, will take over as Chief Executive Officer of the EAT in September and a new St John’s Principal will be appointed.