Assistant Director of Education

WeST is a tight-knit family of schools based around natural geographical proximity in the south west. Initially formed as a small multi-academy trust of only two schools in 2011, the Trust as we know it today was launched in 2017 and now comprises 27 schools, of which 8 are secondary and 19 primary. We are ambitious and hold high expectations for the children in our care. We strive consistently to perform in the top 20% nationally. 

WeST believes in promoting and supporting an appropriate balance between strong alignment and independence with schools. It is important for all our schools to maintain their own identity and celebrate their unique qualities. However, we believe that working collaboratively we will enable our children and staff to access the best resources and learning opportunities. We aim to identify the strengths of our collective practice and share them effectively across our schools such that all our children benefit from our professional expertise.

The key purpose of the Assistant Director of Education is to effect consistent improvement across WeST Primary Schools in order to secure the very best outcomes (better progress than that achieved nationally) for children. In addition, a core focus of this role is the achievement of disadvantaged pupils across the Trust. Whilst the work of the Assistant Director of Education is particularly focused on supporting WeST schools to further improve, there are multiple layers of opportunity to support the wider aims of the Trust. The successful candidate will be able to contribute to the work of the WeST Institute, support our ITT provision, facilitate leadership programmes and play a role beyond our own boundaries. Indeed, experience of successful outreach activity such as Ofsted Inspection or Teaching School delivery is highly desirable.

The successful applicant must have a proven track record of success in improving standards in a primary setting, an excellent working knowledge of Read, Write, Inc. and developing early reading. If having read the job description and person specification, you believe you have the skills and attributes to successfully take on this exciting new role and make a real difference to the outcomes for our young people, then we warmly welcome your application.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

An enhanced DBS disclosure is required for this post. 

The closing date is Tuesday 1st February 2022 at 9am. Interviews will be held shortly afterwards. 

To arrange a visit, please contact Sue Walker, Executive Assistant, as follows: swalker@westst.org.uk 01752 891754, Ext 3900. Please send completed application forms to admin@westst.org.uk.