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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 professional development, mental health support, and a range of employee benefits.
- 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 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.
About this Role
Salary: Leadership Scale (L35-39)
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.
Benefits
- 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 our website.
For more information about the role please download the recruitment pack below. We encourage any candidates considering applying to email recruitment@meridiantrust.co.uk 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.
Executive Deputy Director of Primary Education at Meridian Trust employer: The Martin Bacon Academy
Contact Detail:
The Martin Bacon Academy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Deputy Director of Primary Education at Meridian Trust
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Meridian Trust on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Trust's values and recent initiatives. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your vision aligns with our mission to improve 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 keep it engaging.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your enthusiasm for the role can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Deputy Director of Primary Education at Meridian Trust
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Executive Deputy Director role. Highlight your leadership experience in primary education and how it aligns with Meridian Trust's values and goals.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use concrete examples to demonstrate how you've driven high standards and improved outcomes in previous roles. This will help us see the impact you can make at Meridian Trust.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We want to get a sense of who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your passion for education and how you inspire others, as this is key to fitting into our collaborative culture.
Follow Up: After submitting your application, don’t hesitate to reach out! We encourage you to email recruitment@meridiantrust.co.uk if you have any questions or want to discuss the role further. It shows initiative and enthusiasm!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Martin Bacon Academy
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Meridian Trust's values and ethos. Understand their approach to primary education and be ready to discuss how your leadership style aligns with their mission. This shows you’re not just interested in the role, but genuinely invested in their vision.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your successful leadership in primary education. Think about times when you inspired others or drove improvements. Be ready to discuss how these experiences can translate to the Executive Deputy Director role.
✨Engage with Their Challenges
Research current trends and challenges in primary education, especially within Multi Academy Trusts. Be prepared to discuss how you would tackle these issues at Meridian Trust. This demonstrates your strategic thinking and commitment to continuous improvement.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready. Ask about their future goals for the Primary Phase or how they measure success across their academies. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and your desire to contribute meaningfully to their team.