Excelsior MAT CEO Hazel Pulley to retire after 44-year career in education
Our Chief Executive of Excelsior Multi Academy Trust, Hazel Pulley, is set to retire at the end of the academic year, bringing to a close an outstanding 44-year career in education.
Hazel has led Excelsior MAT for nearly ten years, overseeing the Trust's growth into a family of eight primary schools serving communities across Birmingham. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to improving outcomes for disadvantaged pupils and ensuring every child receives the support they need to thrive.
From September 2026, Darren King, currently our Director of Education, will take on the role of Chief Executive Officer.
Over more than four decades in education, Hazel has held five headships in disadvantaged communities and has made a significant contribution to the wider education sector as an Ofsted inspector, School Improvement Partner, leadership facilitator at the National College for School Leadership and National Leader in Education. Her work has also included research into mathematics education in Singapore and chairing Birmingham Against FGM on behalf of the Home Office.
As Headteacher of Parkfield School, Hazel led the school to an Outstanding judgement and national recognition through the Pupil Premium Award for its success in raising the attainment of disadvantaged pupils. She also established a Young Engineers' Academy, now a STEM Lab, with Parkfield later becoming the foundation of what is now Excelsior Multi-Academy Trust.
During her time as CEO, Hazel has championed inclusion across the Trust, leading significant work to strengthen support for pupils with SEND while maintaining a relentless focus on high expectations and improving life chances for all children.
Recent successes across Excelsior schools, including the positive Ofsted outcome at Highters Heath Community School under the new inspection framework, reflect the dedication of staff and leaders across the Trust and Hazel's commitment to continuous improvement.
Commenting on Hazel’s retirement, Pam Garrington, Chair of Trustees at Excelsior MAT, said:
“Hazel has dedicated 44 years to education, leading schools in disadvantaged communities and making a lasting difference to the lives of pupils and families.
“During her time at Excelsior, she has grown the Trust into a strong and ambitious family of schools, with a clear focus on inclusion and improving outcomes for every pupil. Her work to strengthen support for pupils with SEND and to build a culture of high expectations across all schools will have a lasting impact.
“Hazel is totally pupil focused, leading with collegiality, integrity and authenticity from a strong base of equality. She is a courageous, charismatic and inspirational leader who will be greatly missed.”
Darren King, who has served as our Director of Education since September 2024, is an experienced school leader having held multiple headships across both primary and secondary schools and is currently a Inspector for Ofsted. He has led some of the most improved primary schools in the country, including taking schools from ‘Special Measures’ to ‘Good’ or better, and has also held executive leadership roles within a large multi-academy trust, leading on curriculum development.
Speaking on his appointment, he said:
“It is a real privilege to be stepping into the role of CEO at Excelsior Multi-Academy Trust. Hazel has built something incredibly special here, with a clear commitment to improving outcomes for pupils in our communities.
“I am looking forward to building on that strong foundation, supporting our leaders and staff, and ensuring every pupil across our schools receives the highest quality of education, regardless of their background.”
As we prepare for this leadership transition, Excelsior MAT would like to thank Hazel for her exceptional contribution to education and the lasting legacy she leaves across the Trust and the wider education sector. The Board of Trustees looks forward to working with Darren as he leads Excelsior into its next chapter, continuing its commitment to delivering an exceptional education for every child.