Post: Head of Centre
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary Range: SCP 31-33, FTE salary £41,771.00- £44,075, pro rata salary £36,905.00 - £38,940.00
Salary amounts quoted are from the 1 September to 31 August and therefore if you commence employment part way through the academic year they are subject to an equated salary adjustment
Working Type: 37 hours, 39 working weeks, 45.942 paid weeks
Base: Farringdon Community Academy, Allendale Road, Sunderland, SR3 3EL
Please note:the post holder will be engaging in regulated activity, working mainly or wholly with children. This position is exempt from the rehabilitation of offender’s act 1974. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
Northern Education Trust (NET) is a charitable education Trust with a good track record for school improvement. The Trust sponsors 30 academies; 17 secondary and 13 primaries across the North of England in fourteen Local Authority regions.
We are seeking a passionate and resilient Head of Centre to lead and develop our new alternative provision, where we provide tailored education and support for young people who thrive outside of a traditional classroom. The successful candidate will provide clear, cohesive leadership and drive innovative learning strategies. This is a very exciting and unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on students who need a creative, flexible, and nurturing approach to learning.
Reporting to the Vice Principal, you will be responsible for leading and managing the team to ensure alternative curriculum students receive the best possible education. You will model the Trust’s values while implementing processes that enable students to reach their highest levels of attainment. You’ll ensure a broad and balanced curriculum is delivered and tailored to the needs of our students, helping them achieve academically, socially, and emotionally. More than that, you’ll be a role model, a motivator, and sometimes the person who helps a child believe in themselves again.
Northern Education Trust offers:
The opportunity to work and progress across the family of schools, should you wish in the future;
The chance to apply for leadership roles in the Deeps structure taking on a whole school leadership project;
The support and expertise of Director of Subjects.
A full and detailed programme of support and development for all;
A further comprehensive programme of professional development, including leadership, provided through the NET Staff College.
Employee benefits
In accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025, an online search will be completed on all shortlisted applicants prior to interview. Any relevant information will be discussed further with the applicant during the interview process.
The Trust is committed to considering flexible working requests.
The Trust is committed to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. All posts are subject to enhanced disclosure and barring service checks. We expect all adults to share our commitment to safeguarding and the health and wellbeing of our pupils.
For more information, please contact Rebecca Clish, Business Manager, r.clish@northerneducationtrust.org
Closing date: Sunday 1st November 2026 at midnight
Head of Centre (ACE) in Sunderland employer: Northern Education Trust
Freebrough Academy, as part of Northern Education Trust, is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and collaborative work culture. With a focus on employee growth and development, staff are encouraged to enhance their skills while contributing to a nurturing educational environment in the beautiful coastal town of Saltburn-by-the-Sea. The academy offers a fulfilling opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students and the community.
