We are pleased to announce that Mark Liddiard has been appointed as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Bedfordshire Schools Trust (BEST).

Mark joins us from The Football Association, where he has spent the last 24 years in various roles supporting grassroots football. In addition to his professional experience, he is a dedicated school governor, currently serving as Chair of Governors at Robert Bloomfield Academy, and is also a Central Bedfordshire Councillor.

Following a rigorous two-day interview and selection process, Mark was chosen for his deep passion for education, commitment to the community, and strong track record of leadership.

Dr Alan Lee, BEST CEO, said:
"We are delighted to appoint Mark as our next COO. He particularly impressed us with his dedication to education and his proven ability to lead and deliver meaningful change. We look forward to welcoming him to the trust."

Mark expressed his enthusiasm for the role, saying:
"I am already deeply rooted in the ethos and values of BEST, and I am excited for the opportunity to work closely with the trust to support our young people. Education plays a vital role in opening doors for young people, and I am committed to ensuring we continue to provide the best opportunities for them to succeed."

Mark will take over from Craig Smith, who is retiring at the end of the academic year after eight years in the role. He will officially join BEST in June and will work alongside Craig during the second half of the summer term to ensure a smooth transition.

Craig commented:
"This is a strong appointment for BEST, and I’m pleased to be passing the baton to Mark. BEST has always valued strong community connections, and I am confident that Mark will continue to strengthen these ties in the years to come."

We look forward to welcoming Mark to BEST and working together to continue delivering excellence in education.