At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive school improvement and inspire excellence across multiple primary schools.
- Company: Join a supportive trust committed to innovation and professional growth.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, pension scheme, and extensive wellbeing resources.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and shape educational outcomes.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading school improvement and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Term time only contract with opportunities for leadership development.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Are you driven by a passion for school improvement and the ambition to make a real difference to children’s lives? We are looking for an exceptional Academy Improvement Officer to support, challenge, and inspire a group of thriving primary schools within our trust. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape educational excellence across multiple settings and work alongside talented leaders who share a commitment to high standards and inclusive practice.
As our Academy Improvement Officer, you will play a key strategic role in driving school improvement. Working as part of a well‑established, high‑performing central team and working closely with committed senior leaders, you will provide high‑quality support and challenge to ensure consistent, sustainable improvement and outstanding outcomes for all pupils. Your work will be varied, impactful, and influential. You will be joining a trust that values innovation, collaboration and continuous professional learning.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in leading school improvement, ideally across multiple schools or within a central/trust role.
- A strong understanding of primary education, curriculum design, assessment, and effective pedagogy.
- Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to interpret data, evaluate provision, and identify clear priorities for improvement.
- Outstanding communication and relationship‑building skills, enabling you to work collaboratively and credibly with school leaders and staff at all levels.
- Confidence in delivering constructive challenge, combined with the ability to coach, mentor and develop leadership capacity.
- Strategic thinking and problem‑solving skills, bringing clarity and direction to improvement planning.
- A proactive, resilient, and flexible approach, with the ability to manage competing priorities across multiple schools.
- A deep commitment to equity, inclusion, and ensuring every child receives the highest quality education.
Why Join Us
- The chance to influence practice and outcomes across several vibrant schools.
- A supportive, ambitious trust that encourages innovation and professional growth.
- Opportunities for leadership development and trust‑wide impact.
- A role where your insights, expertise, and passion will directly shape the experiences and success of children and staff.
About The Role
Reports to PDET Director of Education. Contract is term time only including training days plus 2 weeks (41 weeks). Salary provided on request.
The Trust Also Offers
- Hybrid Working.
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Access to a vast number of wellbeing resources, including an Employee Assistance Programme and Lifestyle savings.
If you are an inspirational leader with a strong track record in school improvement and a desire to make a wide-reaching impact, we would be delighted to hear from you.
More information about the trust can be found on the following website: https://www.pdet.org.uk/
If you would like to discuss the role in more detail please contact Gill Broughton, Director of Education, by email to gill.broughton@pdet.org.uk.
Closing Date: 15th April 2026 at 9 a.m. Interviews Scheduled: W/C 20th April 2026.
The Trust is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children and successful applicants will need to provide two references and undergo a DBS and medical check provided by the school.
Academy Improvement Officer (Primary)EDV/2026/PDET/41427 in Northampton employer: Peterborough Diocese Education Trust
Contact Detail:
Peterborough Diocese Education Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Academy Improvement Officer (Primary)EDV/2026/PDET/41427 in Northampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t underestimate the power of personal connections when it comes to landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the trust and its schools. Understand their values, recent initiatives, and challenges they face. This will help us tailor our responses and show that we’re genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine our answers and boost our confidence. The more we practice, the more natural we’ll feel during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show our enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps us on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Academy Improvement Officer (Primary)EDV/2026/PDET/41427 in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for school improvement shine through in your application. We want to see how driven you are to make a difference in children's lives, so share specific examples of your past experiences that highlight this passion.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the key skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We’re looking for someone with a strong understanding of primary education and effective pedagogy, so align your background with these requirements.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you the ideal candidate.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Peterborough Diocese Education Trust
✨Know Your Impact
Before the interview, reflect on your previous experiences in school improvement. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven change and improved outcomes for students. This will show your passion and commitment to making a difference.
✨Understand the Trust's Vision
Familiarise yourself with the trust's values and goals. During the interview, align your answers with their mission of educational excellence and inclusion. This demonstrates that you’re not just looking for any job, but that you genuinely want to contribute to their vision.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss how you interpret data and use it to inform your strategies. Bring examples of how you've identified priorities for improvement in past roles. This will highlight your analytical prowess and strategic thinking, which are crucial for the role.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Remember, communication is key! Practice building rapport by engaging with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their current challenges and express your enthusiasm for collaboration. This will help you stand out as a candidate who values teamwork and relationship-building.