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- Tasks: Lead and inspire 11 primary schools to achieve excellence in education.
- Company: Join Spark Education Trust, a dynamic multi-academy trust.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and continuous professional development.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on the lives of thousands of children.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in primary education with a strategic vision.
- Other info: Collaborative atmosphere with friendly staff and eager learners.
The predicted salary is between 100540 - 110892 £ per year.
Location: Spark Education Trust Head Office, at Whinstone Primary School (Ingleby Barwick)
Start Date: September 2026
Actual Salary: £100,540 to £110,892 (Leadership, L28 to L32)
Hours of Work: 1FTE
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 12.00pm, Monday 2nd February 2026
Interviews: Thursday 12th February and Friday 13th February 2026 (two-day process)
About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and inspirational Primary Senior Leader who is seeking a new challenge and wishes to join a dynamic and supportive multi-academy trust. We are seeking an outstanding Director of Primary Education to lead and inspire our group of 11 primary schools. This is a pivotal role within our Trust, offering a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of thousands of children.
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership and drive improvement across all primary schools within the Trust.
- Work as part of a dynamic team of Directors of Education, contributing to Trust-wide priorities.
- Lead one of our key cross-phase themes, ensuring consistency and excellence across all schools.
- Champion high standards of teaching, learning, and pupil outcomes.
Qualifications
- An experienced and inspirational leader with a proven track record of success in primary education.
- Someone who can combine strategic vision with operational excellence.
- A collaborative leader who thrives on working with others to achieve outstanding outcomes for children.
About Us
Spark Education Trust is a newly merged Trust which currently consists of 11 Primary Schools and 4 Secondary Schools. Spark Education Trust can offer you a professional challenge and a rewarding opportunity, working with collaborative schools that are passionate about the progress and development of every student.
What we have
- A positive and caring ethos and working atmosphere.
- Friendly children, eager to learn and achieve.
- An aspirational curriculum for all students.
- A committed, enthusiastic and supportive staff team.
- Excellent support from our Trust Board, the staff and parents/carers.
- Opportunities for continuous professional development.
Apply
Please make sure your application form and a covering letter detailing how your experience to date supports your suitability for the role (maximum two sides of A4, font size 11) are completed and returned via email to [email missing], addressed to Louise Spellman, Chief Executive Officer.
Please note that feedback will only be given to shortlisted candidates; if you do not receive an invitation to interview within 30 days of the advert’s closing date assume that you have been unsuccessful in your application for this post.
Safeguarding Notice
The Spark Education Trust is committed to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. The post you are applying for is exempt from the rehabilitation of offenders act 1974. We will also carry out an online search on shortlisted candidates to help identify any incidents or issues that are publicly available online.
Director of Primary Education-Whinstone Primary School (Spark Education Trust) employer: Stockton Council
Contact Detail:
Stockton Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Primary Education-Whinstone Primary School (Spark Education Trust)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education, attend local events, and engage with online communities. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Spark Education Trust thoroughly, understand their values, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. Practise common interview questions and have your own ready to show your interest.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've driven improvement in previous roles. Highlight your collaborative approach and how you've inspired others to achieve outstanding outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our dynamic team at Spark Education Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Primary Education-Whinstone Primary School (Spark Education Trust)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure your cover letter speaks directly to the role of Director of Primary Education. Highlight your leadership experience and how it aligns with our mission at Spark Education Trust. We want to see your passion for primary education shine through!
Showcase Your Achievements: When filling out your application, don’t just list your responsibilities. Instead, share specific examples of how you've driven improvement in previous roles. We love to see quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact on student outcomes.
Keep It Concise: Remember, your cover letter should be a maximum of two sides of A4. Be clear and concise in your writing. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the point while still showcasing your personality and enthusiasm.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application via our website. This ensures that your application is received directly by us and helps streamline the process. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Stockton Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Spark Education Trust’s mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their primary schools and any recent initiatives they’ve launched. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect your experience to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Director of Primary Education, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare examples that highlight your collaborative approach and how you've driven improvement in previous roles. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you’ve implemented that led to positive outcomes for students.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think about challenges you’ve faced in education leadership and how you overcame them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Engage with the Interview Panel
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the Trust’s future plans and how you can contribute. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if this role aligns with your vision for primary education.
