After many fulfilling years leading drb Schools and Academies Services Limited, I have decided it’s the right time to step back from the intensity of the CEO role and hand over the reins to new leadership.
When we set up the organisation back in September 2000, I could never have imagined the journey we would take together. It has been a privilege to work alongside such talented and passionate individuals, all united by the same vision: to provide exceptional support to schools and the communities they serve. There have been highs and, inevitably, some challenges along the way — but always a deep sense of purpose.
From September 2025, Andrew Pilmore, our current Director of School Improvement, will become CEO. Many of you will already know Andrew through his highly regarded Leadership Briefings. He embodies the values and mission of drb, and I cannot think of a better person to lead us into this next exciting chapter.
I will be working closely with Andrew over the next 12 months and beyond to ensure a smooth transition. After that, I will continue to support drb in ways we’ll shape together over time. While I haven’t mapped out my own next steps fully, I know they’ll involve plenty of golf, quality family time, and — I hope — real opportunities to contribute to drb’s future in some form.
This isn’t about leaving, but rather about creating space for new energy and ideas to take the organisation forward, while I take a step back from the day-to-day demands of the role of CEO, I’m incredibly excited for what lies ahead — both for drb and for me personally.
Here’s to the next chapter,
– David Bagley.
