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- Tasks: Lead and shape the strategic direction of primary education across 20 academies.
- Company: Join Meridian Trust, a forward-thinking Multi-Academy Trust dedicated to educational excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive benefits including CPD opportunities, mental health support, and a cycle to work scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives and foster a culture of high professionalism.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in primary education and strong strategic thinking skills.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive leadership team committed to collaboration and growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Responsible to: Deputy CEO/ Executive Director of Primary Education
Location: Meridian Trust operates 20 miles around Cambridge, Peterborough and the main route between. Across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, South Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Peterborough. Our current trust bases are in Sawtry, Swavesey and Histon.
About the Role
We are seeking an exceptional leader to join our Trust as Executive Deputy Director of Primary Education. This is a unique opportunity to shape the strategic direction of our Primary Phase (across 20 academies) and ensure outstanding outcomes for every child. Working closely with the Executive Board, Primary Executive Principals, Headteachers and our Curriculum Team, you will provide visionary leadership and drive continuous improvement across all primary academies within the Trust.
This role has been created as part of the Trust's succession planning. The board envisage that the successful candidate will become an integral part of the Meridian team and develop into our future Executive Director of Primary. In preparation for this, in addition to Primary Leadership Meetings the post holder will join our Executive Board meetings and meet regularly with our CEO.
Purpose of the Role
You will lead with clarity and ambition, ensuring that our aims and targets are met while upholding the Trust’s values and ethos. Your role will focus on delivering excellence in teaching and learning, optimising resources, and fostering a culture of high professionalism across all primary settings.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership for the Primary Phase, ensuring high standards of attainment and progress.
- Line manage Primary Executive Principals, Headteachers and other trust primary leaders to support their development.
- Evaluate performance across the Primary Phase and identify priorities for improvement.
- Champion best practice and inspire colleagues to enable every child to achieve their potential.
- Engage with research, national bodies, and sources of excellence to enhance provision.
- Contribute significantly to staff training and professional development.
- Work collaboratively with senior leaders to identify and evaluate growth opportunities for the Trust.
What We Are Looking For
- A proven track record of successful leadership within primary education.
- Experience working within a Multi Academy Trust, at a Trust wide level.
- Leading or working in cross-networks for middle leaders or specialist teams.
- The ability to inspire and motivate others, driving high standards and innovation.
- Strong strategic thinking and decision‑making skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build positive relationships at all levels.
- Commitment to the Trust’s values and a relentless focus on improving outcomes for children.
Why Join Us?
This is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact on the lives of children and communities across our Trust. You will work alongside a dedicated, supportive and challenging leadership team in a forward‑thinking organisation that values collaboration, professional growth, and educational excellence.
About Meridian Trust
Meridian Trust is a values‑led organisation formed in 2011 that has evolved into an all‑inclusive, high‑performing and relatively large Multi‑Academy Trust. The Trust is founded on its commitment to a high‑quality educational provision for all at the heart of our local communities. Meridian currently operates primary, secondary and special schools across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire. We have a long and proud history of commitment to system leadership and wider collaboration.
Meridian Trust offers a wealth of fantastic benefits for teaching and support staff which are highlighted below but are not limited to:
- Apprenticeship and CPD opportunities which allow you to gain specialist knowledge in a role you are passionate about developing in.
- Support for mental health and wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme and other resources.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Access to an online GP through our Employee Assistance Programme.
- Annual BUPA health screening.
- Defined benefit local government or Teacher’s pension scheme.
- Healthcare benefits including free eye test vouchers and flu vaccinations.
- Free on‑site parking.
- Discounts on a wide range of benefits from everyday essentials to holidays.
To explore our full range of benefits, please visit more information about the role please download the recruitment pack below. We encourage any candidates considering applying to email to arrange a call with our CEO and DCEO to discuss the role and find out additional information.
Closing Date: 9am on Monday 9th March 2026
Interviews: Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th March 2026
Meridian Trust reserves the right to close the applications early in the event that a suitable candidate is sourced.
The Trust is committed to diversity and inclusion and equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.
The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments will be subject to pre‑employment checks, including an enhanced check with the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS), as well as online searches.
Executive Deputy Director of Education in Sawtry employer: Meridian Trust
Contact Detail:
Meridian Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Deputy Director of Education in Sawtry
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education, especially those who are already part of Meridian Trust. A friendly chat can give you insights and maybe even a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Meridian Trust's values and recent initiatives. Show us how your vision aligns with ours, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to our mission of improving outcomes for children.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear about your successes and challenges in primary education. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and make them memorable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email expressing your enthusiasm for the role can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows us that you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Deputy Director of Education in Sawtry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Education: When writing your application, let your passion for primary education shine through. We want to see how you can inspire and motivate others, so share your experiences and successes in leading teams or initiatives that have made a difference.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Executive Deputy Director of Primary Education. Highlight your relevant experience within Multi Academy Trusts and how you've driven high standards and innovation in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Keep your application clear and concise, focusing on key achievements and skills that align with the job description. Avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see why you're the right fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Meridian Trust
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your vision for primary education. Think about how you can align your ideas with the Trust's values and ethos. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you would implement to drive improvement across the academies.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare examples from your past leadership roles that demonstrate your ability to inspire and motivate others. Highlight any successful initiatives you've led within a Multi Academy Trust or similar environments, focusing on outcomes and impact.
✨Engage with Research
Familiarise yourself with current educational research and best practices in primary education. Be prepared to discuss how you would incorporate these insights into your strategic leadership approach, showcasing your commitment to continuous improvement.
✨Build Relationships
During the interview, emphasise your excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Share examples of how you've built positive relationships with colleagues at all levels, as this will be crucial for collaborating with the Executive Board and other leaders within the Trust.