Robert Coles is Deputy CEO of Education South West (ESW) a multi-academy trust of 14 schools across South Devon. The trust also leads, in collaboration with others in Devon, a Teaching School and a Research School. Rob has been in senior leadership since 2004 and served as a Headteacher and Executive Headteacher since 2011. He has served as a National Leader of Education in the Midlands and has worked as an Ofsted Inspector in the South West.

Rob leads on the development of inclusive communities for ESW with a focus on building partnerships with the local authority to better meet the needs of pupils with SEND. The trust is building a network of community hubs across the ESW schools designed to support families so that children can belong, thrive and achieve.