Up to £100,000 (more may be available for a truly exceptional candidate)

Woodard Academies Trust is a family of academies focused on recognising young people’s brilliance and nurturing their wisdom. We educate over 7000 pupils across the country in six academies, four secondaries and two all-through schools. Three are based in the South East of England, Littlehampton, Lancing and Maidstone, two in the North East of England, Tynemouth and Darlington and one in Stoke on Trent. Four are graded Ofsted Good and two are Requires Improvement.

Sponsored by the Woodard Corporation, we have the advantage of being part of a wider family of Woodard schools which includes other single and multi-academy Trusts, as well as independent, state funded and international schools. Today, Woodard educates over 30,000 pupils with a clear Christian ethos.

We are embarking on an ambitious new five-year strategy. At its core is the need to continue to drive up standards and grow our Trust in geographical clusters. Our new Director of School Improvement will be at the heart of this. Your role will be to develop and implement a cross-Trust school improvement strategy, ensuring that capacity both internally and externally is shaped to maximise benefit and impact. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will lead and develop a multi-disciplined team of talented individuals that will be at the core of our offer. This will be a mixed provision that is responsive to need and includes specialist expertise when required. We have already secured support from Challenge Partners as part of our offering.

You will have a demonstrable track record of successful school leadership. You are likely to be a Deputy Headteacher or Senior Leader who has a track record of improving schools and may be looking to make an impact on broader, bigger stage. Alternatively, you may be an experienced school leader looking for a new challenge and an opportunity to work and impact as part of a Trust-wide team. Either way, your exceptional people skills and the ability to establish relationships across diverse communities will set you apart.

Diversity Statement

Woodard Academies Trust is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from black and minority ethnic groups and disabled people, which are currently under-represented.

Safeguarding Statement

Woodard Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The post is subject to work eligibility checks, an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, sight of original qualification certificates, satisfactory references and a medical. The post is also subject to a negative response to an enquiry as to whether a prohibition order has been made by the Secretary of State.