At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape educational strategy for over 10,000 children in Church Schools.
- Company: Join the Derby Diocesan Board of Education, committed to excellence in education.
- Benefits: Impactful role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Other info: Hybrid working, supportive team environment, and a chance to influence educational mission.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people through education.
- Qualifications: Must be a practising Christian with experience as a Headteacher or MAT leader.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Derby (Hybrid working)
Contract Type: Full Time
Contract Term: Permanent
Start Date: January 2026 or earlier
Come and help us offer our children and young people life in all its fullness. Emmaus Leadership have been retained by the Derby Diocesan Board of Education to manage the key appointment of a Director of Education within the diocese. Derby DBE has oversight of 111 Church Schools across the diocese. Through the Director, Deputy Director and supported by the Senior Business & Operations Manager and Executive Assistant, the DBE works with vigour to support schools and the church to enable the delivery of a distinctive and excellent church school education; all within the context of an ever‑changing educational landscape.
At Derby DBE we are tasked with developing an improved understanding of education as mission and realising the potential of our Church Schools in the Church’s ministry to young people. We are looking to appoint a relational, strategic, gospel hearted and enabling Director of Education who works collaboratively to support the Diocesan Board of Education in its statutory role and to lead our work in Education. You will play a key role in shaping educational strategy across the diocese, influencing schools, Multi Academy Trusts and wider partnerships, and contributing to diocesan leadership as a trusted and respected voice. This role offers an amazing opportunity to influence and impact the lives of over 10,000 children each year. We aspire to hold a significant place locally, regionally and nationally where we can have influence for the greater good.
We are looking for someone with a:
- Passion for serving children and young people through Church Schools
- Strong track record as an inspiring Headteacher or MAT leader with a demonstrable understanding of how excellence in education can be enabled
- Caring, pastoral approach to supporting our people working on the ‘front line’ in our schools
- Drive for excellence and inspiring others to the principle of Christian distinctiveness in education
Now is a moment of real opportunity within the educational and Christian life of the diocese, which makes this post an extremely attractive and rewarding career opportunity. A requirement of the post is that applicants must be practising Christians.
Closing date: Monday 29 June at 12 Noon
Shortlisting: Tuesday 30 June
Interviews: Tuesday 7 July
For an initial informal chat please call Liam Dowds, our Emmaus Advising Consultant, on 01737 652 043 or email him at ldowds@emmausleadership.me for an Application pack. All conversations will be held in the strictest confidence. DO NOT APPLY ONLINE. ALL COMPLETED APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED VIA EMAIL.
Derby DBE is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.
Diocesan Director of Education - Diocese of Derby employer: Emmaus Leadership
The Diocese of Derby offers a unique and fulfilling opportunity for the Diocesan Director of Education to lead and inspire within a supportive and collaborative environment. With a commitment to excellence in education and a focus on serving over 10,000 children annually, employees benefit from a strong sense of purpose, professional growth opportunities, and a caring work culture that values Christian distinctiveness. This role not only allows for significant influence in shaping educational strategies but also fosters a community dedicated to the welfare of children and young people.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Diocesan Director of Education - Diocese of Derby
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the education sector! Attend local events, join online forums, or even reach out to current employees at Derby DBE. Building relationships can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Show Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with someone about the role, let your passion for serving children and young people shine through. Share your vision for education and how you can contribute to the mission of Derby DBE. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework on Derby DBE and its schools. Understand their values and challenges, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Prepare some thoughtful questions to show you’re genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Follow Up
After your interview, don’t forget to send a thank-you email! It’s a great way to reiterate your interest in the position and leave a positive impression. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and engaged—qualities they’ll appreciate in a Director of Education.
We think you need these skills to ace Diocesan Director of Education - Diocese of Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing, give the job description a good read. It’s packed with clues about what Derby DBE is looking for, so make sure you understand the key responsibilities and qualities they want in a candidate.
Show Your Passion:This role is all about serving children and young people through Church Schools. Make sure your application reflects your passion for education and how you can contribute to their mission. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience as a Headteacher or MAT leader. Use specific examples that demonstrate your understanding of excellence in education and Christian distinctiveness.
Follow Submission Guidelines:Remember, no online applications here! Make sure you submit your completed application via email as specified. Double-check that you’ve included all required documents and that everything is polished before hitting send.
How to prepare for a job interview at Emmaus Leadership
✨Know Your Mission
Before the interview, take some time to understand the mission of the Derby Diocesan Board of Education. Familiarise yourself with their vision for church schools and how they aim to serve children and young people. This will help you articulate how your values align with theirs during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles as a Headteacher or MAT leader that demonstrate your ability to drive excellence in education. Highlight instances where you've successfully influenced educational strategy or supported staff on the front line, as these experiences will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
This role requires a relational approach, so be ready to discuss how you've worked collaboratively with various stakeholders in the past. Share stories that illustrate your ability to build partnerships and foster a supportive environment within schools, as this is crucial for the Director of Education position.
✨Be Authentic and Passionate
As a practising Christian, let your passion for serving children and young people shine through. Be genuine about your commitment to Christian distinctiveness in education and how it informs your leadership style. This authenticity will help you connect with the interview panel on a deeper level.
