Director of Education

Believe in traditional values, rigour and very high expectations? Committed to a knowledge-rich curriculum?

This is the opportunity to be part of the central executive team of an expanding Trust.

Our Trust is based in the centre of Bedford, just over 30 minutes from London. We are recruiting a Director of Education to work with and support the Executive Principal and in delivering an excellent curriculum, top quality subject-specific professional learning developing teachers as curricular thinkers, and playing a key role in the Trust’s executive team, developing significant capacity to expand the Trust

Aspiration, Honesty, Respect

At Advantage Schools our values drive everything that we do and as a result our teachers enjoy impeccable behaviour in lessons and hardworking, highly motivated students. Our schools are genuinely comprehensive and provide a knowledge-based education for students of all backgrounds. We teach an unashamedly academic curriculum consisting of the best that has been thought and said.

Parental Choice

With waiting lists in each year group and GCSE results placing us amongst the top schools locally, we have quickly become hugely popular schools. Demand for places in our schools is very high as parents want the combination of a knowledge-based education and our distinctive small school feel for their children. 

We’re looking for people who want to be the best. You will be excellent in the classroom and as a leader, and hence an inspiring character who is willing to lead by example. You will also contribute positively to wider school life. Most of all, you will be clear that education is a great leveller and work hard to help us achieve our goal of preparing every student to go to university. 

Support and Development

Career development is a priority – this is a whole-trust role involving each of our current schools and with significant involvement in expansion of the Trust. We expect the Director of Education to be able to step into any required senior leader responsibility at short notice, and to be either a Principal or Executive Principal in due course.

Our trust is ambitious to grow to ten schools in five years, so you will be challenged with aspects of due diligence and the challenges of new schools we take on or open. You will be joining us at an exciting time –  we are hoping to open our second brand new secondary school in nearby St Neots soon.

A key role of the Director of Education will be to ensure that our teachers are able to grow in their careers within the Trust, with excellent professional development and learning for all colleagues, particularly focussed on curricular development.

If our traditional approach and values of Respect, Honesty and High Aspirations match yours, then we would encourage you to apply. 

Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to close this post should a suitable candidate apply.

As part of the interview process, which will be held over 2 days, we will spend the some of the first day sharing information about what we do and touring the schools. 

We are schools where teachers and students know each other and look out for each other. Safeguarding children enrolled at the schools are of paramount importance, and we are fully committed to the protection and safe care of our students. The successful applicant will be required to undertake appropriate checks as well as providing proof of your right to work in the UK. 

How to apply:

Should you wish to have a confidential discussion about the role or the Trust with the Executive Principal, please contact Esther Logan at elogan@bedfordfreeschool.co.uk

To apply, please complete an Advantage Schools application form and submit a letter of application of not more than 1000 words addressing the person specification and how your knowledge, skills and experience have prepared you for this role.

The deadline is Tuesday 8th May. Shortlisting will take place on Tuesday 8th May and there will be a two-day interview process for shortlisted candidates.

Application forms and downloads are also available on the Bedford Free School website: http://www.bedfordfreeschool.co.uk/top/jobs.php