Director of Secondary Standards - fixed term for 3 years initially

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly talented leader to join a unique partnership of twelve secondary schools and a Sixth Form College across the five catholic academy trusts spanning the diocese of Leeds.

Across the diocese there are twelve secondary schools and a Sixth Form College, some of which are currently within the MATs and some in the process of joining.  Each organisation is unique, rooted in its Catholic mission and enjoys strong and active links with their local parishes. The schools serve a diverse range of communities from mostly rural to very much inner city and within that diversity are a range of challenges and opportunities. There is much that is excellent and there is still much that needs to be better.

The Bishop Wheeler Catholic Academy Trust now seek to appoint a Director of Secondary Standards to work with Headteachers and CEOs whose work is focused to the needs of the individual Trusts and schools. The key priorities are to strengthen our shared strategies for school improvement and develop and embed self-sustaining school improvement networks and capacity in all of our schools across all the Academy Trusts and diocese. 

You will be a key member of each of the Trust’s school improvement teams and such a role will require considerable people skills to build relationships rapidly and a fair degree of energy to work across the five Trusts. To support you with this, one CEO and Trust will be allocated as ‘your base’ from which you will be able to work. 

In your role, you will be responsible for developing our capacity, credibility and culture for successful school improvement and developing our future leaders. In addition to relevant qualifications and successful senior-level experience, you will have a broad ranging knowledge and deep understanding of the MAT environment, including emerging issues, thinking and trends. Crucially, the ability to lead, whilst also working collegiately with leaders and building strong networks and partnerships, is essential. Finally, you will also need the energy, strength of purpose and resilience to drive forward change. 

This is an exciting time to join us and make a considerable contribution to the educational life of children across the dioceses of Leeds. 

Interested candidates are invited to contact Darren Beardsley, CEO of the Bishop Wheeler Catholic Academy Trust, to arrange a confidential discussion:

• Darren Beardsley: d.beardsley@bwcat.org

Further information and an application form can be found on:

 www.bishopwheelercatholicacademytrust.org

Completed application forms should be emailed to the Head of HR, Amanda Whelan at a.whelan@bwcat.org by the closing date.

Closing date: 10.00 am on Monday 17th May.

Interview date: is scheduled for Tuesday 25th May, in Hinsley Hall, Leeds

The Five Academy Trusts and the Diocese of Leeds are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service.