Associate Executive Director of Education (Primary) in Shrewsbury

0.4 or 0.6 Fixed term for one year, to be discussed at interview. Required to start September 2026.

Are you an experienced primary leader with a proven track record of securing excellence, building leadership capacity and driving sustainable school improvement across more than one setting? Do you believe in coaching-led improvement, evidence-informed practice and putting children at the heart of every decision? Join us in driving educational excellence across the Marches Academy Trust.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Associate Executive Director of Education (Primary) to join The Marches Academy Trust at an exciting stage of our development. This is a key strategic role, offering the opportunity to make a significant impact on the quality of education and outcomes for pupils across our primary schools. The post is for two or three days a week and offers the opportunity of a secondment for the right person.

Working closely with the CEO and Executive Director of Education (Primary), you will play a pivotal role in leading Trust-wide school improvement, quality assuring curriculum, teaching, assessment and safeguarding, and supporting Headteachers and senior leaders to achieve consistently high standards. In this role, you will provide strategic oversight of primary education across the Trust, working closely with Headteachers to monitor performance, strengthen leadership, and secure consistently high standards of teaching, curriculum, assessment and safeguarding.

You will play a key role in delivering a coaching led school improvement model, supporting schools where additional challenge or intervention is required, and contributing to Trust wide strategic priorities. This role is ideal for an experienced and credible educational leader who is passionate about primary education, committed to evidence-informed practice, and skilled in developing leadership capacity at all levels.

What we are looking for:

• Significant experience of educational leadership and Trust-wide school improvement.
• A proven track record of improving standards and outcomes.
• Strong expertise in primary curriculum design, assessment and quality assurance.
• Experience of successful literacy development with clear and sustained impact on pupil outcomes.
• The ability to inspire, challenge and support Headteachers and senior leaders.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and influencing skills.
• A strong commitment to inclusive practice, safeguarding and continuous professional learning.

At The Marches Academy Trust, our vision is “Achievement Through Caring.” We offer:

• A welcoming, collaborative and values-led Trust culture.
• The opportunity to work with an experienced, supportive and ambitious executive team.
• A varied and rewarding role with real scope to shape improvement and make a meaningful difference across primary education.
• Access to our Talent Pathway, including high-quality professional development and NPQ opportunities.
• The chance to contribute to a growing Trust that values innovation, evidence-based practice and strong relationships.
• A wide range of staff benefits.
• Excellent resources and facilities.

Ready to make an impact? Apply now and help us make a difference. For more details and to apply, visit our website www.marchesacademytrust.co.uk and take the next step in your career with us.

The post holder will be based at Trust Central in Shrewsbury; however, there will be a requirement to work at all schools across the Trust. For further information about this position (or to arrange a visit), please contact Nicola at 01691 664415.

Closing date for applications is: 10.00am Monday 13th April. Interviews will be held on: Wednesday 22nd and Thursday 23rd April (TBC).

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.