Regional Director and Executive Principal in Bradford

Are you a dynamic and self-driven individual with experience leading secondary and primary schools as a Principal or Executive Principal/Headteacher who is ready to lead one of our vibrant and aspirational school clusters?

About Star Central

Star Central, which is based at our head office in Blackburn, Lancashire, provides leadership, strategic direction and support to Star Academies, Star Talent Academy and our schools. The Star Central team includes experts from a range of professional backgrounds, who work together to provide an outstanding support service to the Star community. We support our schools to provide educational and operational excellence and to cultivate a strong Star community, with the aim of nurturing today’s young people and inspiring tomorrow’s leaders.

Who we’re looking for

Star Academies is looking for a highly experienced secondary school leader with the ability and authority to lead improvements in standards across our primary and secondary schools in Bradford. You will oversee a portfolio of schools in Bradford, currently three secondaries and four primary schools. This is known as our West Yorkshire Partnership. You will be credible and with a proven background in sustainable school improvement, particularly with secondary schools. You will be able to identify priorities, put in place interventions to secure gains in pupil outcomes, and work with our school Principals to make it happen, and empower them to lead and build capacity. You will have a track record of successful school leadership with a clear understanding of how to deliver the highest possible standards across schools with differing contexts and improvement journeys. You will also be able to line manage school Principals, holding them to account for standards and outcomes, and where necessary coach and guide them to improve their own practice and that of others. The position requires an individual who can work both strategically and operationally, consistently modelling best practice in leadership and pedagogy on a daily basis, and does not adopt a ‘one size fits all’ approach.

You will have:

• Credibility as an experienced and successful Principal with a demonstrable track record of success, preferably in a secondary phase setting.
• The ability to lead, manage, develop and inspire school leaders to secure improved standards and outcomes.
• The ability to support Principals and school leaders to manage change rapidly and sustainably.
• A proven record in school improvement, school-to-school support strategies, and how to implement them effectively.
• Strong strategic and operational planning skills.
• An understanding of the benefits and dynamics of wider partnerships in localities and regions.
• Full commitment to our mission, vision and values.
• Strong personal skills to flex in different contexts and situations to bring out the best in others.

About Star Academies

Star Academies is a high-performing multi-academy trust that runs more than 30 primary and secondary schools. We are a values-based organisation that works to improve the life chances of young people in areas of social and economic deprivation to help them succeed at the highest levels of education, employment and the professions. Every single day you’ll be rewarded with the opportunity to shape a young person’s future - our STAR values embody what we believe is needed to succeed. Professional development is key to our ongoing success, so we continually invest in our employees through our professional development hub, Star Talent Academy. With a wealth of training, mentoring and progression opportunities across a large, growing group of academies, joining our team of leading education experts could propel your career to the next level. We can also offer you a range of rewards and benefits, including competitive salaries and pension schemes, generous holiday entitlements and healthcare cash plans.

Find out more

Please download the recruitment information pack below for further information about the role. To set up an informal and confidential discussion about the role please contact Daniel Burgess via email (daniel.burgess@staracademies.org) to make arrangements.

Key Dates

• Closing Date: Wednesday, 18 March 2026 at midnight.
• Interview Date: Friday, 27 March 2026.
• Proposed Start Date: Tuesday, 1 September 2026.

Application Process

To apply for this vacancy please visit our website via the button below. You should ensure your application form and supporting statement address all elements of the person specification. We will only consider candidates who meet the vast majority of the essential criteria outlined in the person specification.

Our Commitment

Star Academies is committed to safeguarding, safer recruitment and promoting the welfare of pupils. Our comprehensive recruitment and selection processes aim to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. Successful candidates are subject to rigorous pre-employment checks. We are equally committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity. We aim for our workforce to be representative of society and that each employee feels respected and able to give their best. We are committed to providing equality and fairness in our recruitment and employment practices and not to discriminate on any grounds. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.