Director of Secondary Education

Director of Secondary Education

Bradgate Education Partnership

Permanent

Full time

Leadership L35 – L39 (FTE £119,350 to £131,578)

24th August 2026

Application Close Date: 9am, Wednesday 15th April 2026

Provisional Interview Date: Week commencing 20th April 2026

We are seeking to appoint a Director of Secondary Education, offering an exciting opportunity for an exceptional and visionary leader to play a key role in driving the next stage of our Trust’s growth and ambition. Working closely with the Deputy Chief Executive Officer, you will lead the strategic development of our secondary phase, champion school improvement, and secure excellence in teaching, learning, behaviour and outcomes.

As an influential member of both the Education Team and the Executive Leadership Team, you will work in close partnership with our experienced Headteachers, building on their expertise and the significant progress already achieved, while providing the strategic leadership, professional challenge and hands on support needed to strengthen practice and secure excellence.

Since the Trust was established in 2016 with 11 schools in Leicestershire, we have steadily grown to 18 schools, with a further school joining us on 1st April 2026, bringing us to 19 in total. Our strength as a Trust is in our collaborative approach and support for one another. We believe we are truly Stronger Together. At Bradgate Education Partnership we operate with shared values and common purpose whilst celebrating the distinctive ethos of each individual school. This role offers the chance to be part of our organisation at a truly exciting stage of growth.

The ideal candidate will be:

• Ambitious for every child and every school, driven by an unwavering commitment to excellence.

• Collaborative and partnership focused, recognising that strong relationships and shared practice underpin success.

• Ethical and principled, demonstrating integrity and placing pupils at the centre of every decision.

• Extensive proven track record of school improvement, whether as a Headteacher, Executive Leader or system leader.

• Experienced in reviewing and evaluating school performance, including Ofsted inspection, Challenge Partners involvement or MAT reviews.

• Excellent knowledge and understanding of the current Ofsted Inspection Framework and its implications for schools.

• Able to coach, mentor and influence leaders across multiple school settings.

• Aligned with and committed to the Trust ethos: Stronger Together.

Experience and Skills:

• Substantial successful experience as a Secondary Headteacher, with wider leadership experience in a MAT, local authority or similar organisation.

• A strong track record of securing school improvement and raising standards.

• Proven ability to develop middle and senior leaders, building capacity and strengthening leadership at all levels.

• Drive, creativity and the ability to make a direct, positive impact on pupils’ learning and outcomes.

• Highly effective interpersonal skills, with the ability to coach, consult and collaborate.

Coaching, Mentoring & Leadership Development

• Provide coaching and mentoring to Headteachers and senior leaders to strengthen leadership capability, reflective practice and strategic decision-making.

• Work closely with leaders to support them through challenge, change and improvement, maintaining a balance of high support and high expectation.

• Champion a culture of professional growth, collaboration and shared accountability.

• Contribute as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team to the strategic direction and operational development of the Trust.

• Support shaping Trust‑wide policies, improvement frameworks and long-term educational strategy.

Strategic & Executive Leadership

• Contribute as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team to the strategic direction and operational development of the Trust.

• Support shaping Trust‑wide policies, improvement frameworks and long-term educational strategy.

• Lead with integrity, transparency and a deep commitment to improving life chances for all pupils.

Cross‑Phase Collaboration

• Work cross‑phase where required, partnering with our Primary phase colleagues to ensure strong transitions, aligned practice and a coherent Trust-wide educational experience.

• Support the sharing of best practice across phases, ensuring collaboration remains at the heart of school improvement.

In return we offer:

• Teachers (leadership) Terms & Conditions

• Opportunity to work within a collaborative, supportive and highly skilled Trust wide team

• Opportunities to access high quality professional development

• A commitment to continue with national pay, terms and conditions

• Access to the generous Teachers Pension Scheme

• Employee Support Service (counselling) for employees and close family members (24/7 support)

• Employee Discount and Benefit Scheme

• Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme

• Highly supportive Executive Leadership Team

• Access to a professional service with the Trust’s Central Services for school improvement, HR, finance, estates, governance and IT

To apply for this position:

1. Visit our careers website and search for the vacancy

2. Apply using the online application form

3. Submit a supporting statement outlining the reasons why you are applying and your suitability for the position and address the following questions:

1) How would you ensure that our trust values of being ambitious, collaborative and ethical are consistently lived out across our two secondary schools, and how would you use these values to drive aligned, sustainable school improvement that raises outcomes and strengthens the culture in both settings?

2) How will you demonstrate the strategic leadership and relentless drive needed to ensure every disadvantaged pupil flourishes academically and personally?

SAFEGUARDING

Bradgate Education Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are therefore expected to behave in such a way that supports this commitment. As part of the Trust’s shortlisting process, all shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online search as part of our due diligence. Appointment to this post will also be subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks.

INCLUSION

At our Trust inclusion means everyone is welcome. Everyone is treated fairly and with respect. We value individuality and uniqueness and aim to create a sense of belonging.

We want an inclusive workplace that helps build the success of our pupils and reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.