The Blessed Christopher Wharton Catholic Academy Trust seeks to appoint an experienced and driven individual to the role of Director of Education (Secondary). This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact across our secondary schools, shaping the future of Catholic education!

Director of Education (Secondary)
Trust – wide across Bradford and Keighley

• Part time ( 0.6 or 0.8 FTE)
• Fixed-term contract (2 years)
• £118,858 - £125,853 pro rata

Please Note: Applicants must be authorised to work in the UK

The Blessed Christopher Wharton Catholic Academy Trust serves a diverse range of communities across Bradford and Keighley. A family of 17 primary and 2 secondary schools, we are the city's only provider of high-quality Catholic education to almost 7,000 children and young people.

We work collaboratively to ensure that all our children and young people receive a first-class Catholic education. We are committed to fostering a culture of excellence, inclusion, and continuous improvement across our schools.

The Role

Reporting to the CEO, the Director of Education (Secondary) will work closely with our two secondary schools, providing strategic leadership to drive school improvement and raise educational standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide expert guidance and support to school leaders to drive educational improvements.
• Develop and implement a robust school improvement strategy, ensuring alignment with Trust priorities.
• Conduct regular school visits to monitor progress and provide targeted interventions.
• Ensure a broad, balanced, and effective curriculum within Trust parameters, while supporting local autonomy.
• Oversee and support Ofsted and Section 48 inspections, ensuring thorough preparation and follow-up.
• Analyse school performance data, identifying key areas for development and improvement.
• Foster a culture of collaboration across the Trust’s secondary schools, sharing best practice.
• Mentor and coach senior and middle leaders, developing leadership capacity and driving a culture of high expectations.
• Support the upskilling of core staff through advising, mentoring, and coaching.
• Promote innovation in teaching and learning, ensuring schools remain responsive to the evolving educational landscape.

Benefits

We are committed to supporting and developing our staff, offering a range of benefits, including:

• Employee Assistance Programme – Confidential mental health and well-being support.
• 24/7 GP Service – Access to virtual GP appointments and medical advice.
• Outstanding Professional Development Opportunities – Supporting leadership growth and career progression.
• Vivup Lifestyle Benefits – High street discounts and employee perks.
• Excellent Pension Scheme – Providing financial security for the future.
• Regular Learning Days – Termly opportunities to network and engage with external speakers.
• Annual Staff Awards – Recognising and celebrating outstanding contributions.
• A Positive and Collaborative Working Environment – Focused on ensuring the best outcomes for our students.

The Ideal Candidate

We are seeking an experienced and inspiring leader with a proven track record in school improvement and a strong commitment to Catholic education. About you:

• Strong commitment to the Catholic ethos and values of our Trust.
• Proven headship and leadership experience, delivering sustained school improvement.
• Expertise in curriculum development, assessment, and performance monitoring.
• A strategic leader with the ability to motivate and mentor school leaders.
• Strong data analysis skills to inform improvement plans.
• Experience in Ofsted and Section 48 inspections.
• Excellent communication, coaching, and leadership skills, fostering strong relationships.
• Experience in the Catholic education sector is desirable.
• NPQH, NPQSL, or equivalent leadership qualification is desirable.
• Experience within a Multi-Academy Trust is desirable.

Join us in shaping the future of Catholic secondary education and making a lasting impact on the lives of young people across our Trust.

How to apply for the role:

If you have the skills and experience required for this position, click “apply” today and check your inbox for an email providing more information on how to tailor your application and provide a cover letter or any supporting documents.

Closing Date: 9am 28th March 2025

Interviews: W/C 2nd April 2025

You must be authorised to work in the UK. No agencies please.

Other suitable skills and experience include Head of Education, Director of Learning & Teaching, Secondary School Principal, Education Consultant, Head of School Improvement, Trust-Wide Education Director, Executive Headteacher, Head of Curriculum & Standards, School Improvement Partner, Academic Strategy Lead.