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- Tasks: Lead inclusive education strategies and ensure exceptional outcomes for all pupils.
- Company: Excel Learning Trust, a collaborative family of schools in York.
- Benefits: Access to discounts, excellent pension scheme, and ongoing professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through inclusive education leadership.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in education and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to educational excellence and community values.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Excel Learning Trust is seeking a dedicated and inspirational Assistant Director of School Improvement to join our central team and drive excellence in inclusive education across our family of schools in the wonderful city of York. We are looking for a candidate who is a proven strategic leader. You will be an outstanding communicator and collaborator, capable of building effective relationships with school leaders, staff, parents, and external agencies.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of the trust‐wide strategy for inclusion, ensuring exceptional provision and outcomes for all pupils.
- Provide expert guidance and training to all schools, ensuring statutory compliance and the consistent application of outstanding practice.
- Ensure robust safeguarding policies, procedures, and culture are embedded across every school, driving continuous improvement and sharing best practice.
Qualifications
- Proven strategic leadership experience in education.
- Outstanding communication and collaboration skills.
- Ability to build effective relationships with school leaders, staff, parents, and external agencies.
- Experience in developing and implementing inclusion strategies and safeguarding practices.
Benefits
- Access to a staff discount scheme.
- Enrolment in the excellent Teachers' Pension Scheme.
- 24/7 access to an employee assistance programme.
- Family‐friendly policies.
- Regular, high‐quality professional development.
About the Trust
Excel Learning Trust is a collaborative family of seven schools: four primary, two secondary, and an alternative provision school. Our fundamental vision is to ensure educational excellence every day so that all children achieve the very best outcomes. Our EPIC values are Excellence, People, Improvement, and Community.
Application Process
We strongly urge and welcome interested candidates to have an informal conversation with Clair Kitchen, Director of School Improvement. Please call Zoe French to arrange this on 01904 806456, or email z.french@elt.org.uk. The deadline for applications is 3.00pm on 11 November 2025. The assessment and selection process is expected to take place on 14 November 2025. To apply, please submit completed application forms electronically to recruitment@elt.org.uk, for the attention of Mark Hassack, CEO.
Assistant Director of School Improvement (Inclusive Education) employer: City of York Council
Contact Detail:
City of York Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director of School Improvement (Inclusive Education)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Excel Learning Trust on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that informal chat with Clair Kitchen! Research the trust's values and recent initiatives in inclusive education. Show them you’re not just passionate but also well-informed.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role is all about collaboration, think of examples where you've successfully worked with others. Be ready to share these during your conversations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Excel Learning Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director of School Improvement (Inclusive Education)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Inclusion: When writing your application, let your passion for inclusive education shine through. We want to see how you can drive excellence and make a real difference in the lives of all pupils. Share specific examples that highlight your commitment to this vital area.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the role. We’re looking for strategic leaders with outstanding communication skills, so highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with our vision at Excel Learning Trust. Don’t just send a generic application!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your experience and qualifications. Use bullet points if it helps to make your key achievements stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to make your application shine!
How to prepare for a job interview at City of York Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and best practices in inclusive education. Brush up on the trust's current strategies and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your strategic leadership experience. Think about specific instances where you've successfully led initiatives or improved outcomes in previous roles, especially in relation to inclusion and safeguarding.
✨Build Rapport
Since this role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, practice building rapport during the interview. Be friendly, approachable, and demonstrate your outstanding communication skills by actively listening and engaging with the interviewers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions that show your genuine interest in the role and the trust. Inquire about their current challenges in inclusive education or how they measure success in their schools. This will demonstrate your commitment to driving improvement.
