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- Tasks: Lead educational improvement across our special schools and develop a culture of excellence.
- Company: Join Forward Education Trust, a growing MAT dedicated to inclusive education in Birmingham, Solihull, and Sandwell.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting journey to transform education for children with special needs.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in education, especially with SEND, is essential.
- Other info: This role includes being the Trust's Deputy CEO and DSL, with a focus on collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Start date: 1 April 2025 (or in discussion with the appointed candidate)
Forward Education Trust
Contact email:
Contract type: Permanent
You will have the expertise to be a force for improvement, the personal attributes to secure buy-in from others and a deep-rooted belief that collaboration is the cornerstone of a strong trust.
Forward Education Trust (FET) is an established and developing MAT of 7 special schools in Birmingham, Solihull and Sandwell. We are seeking to appoint our new Director of Education and are looking for a highly credible trust leader, with knowledge and experience of SEND, who wants the challenge of helping to take our Trust forward, by ensuring that our children and young people receive the very best education & care, so that they achieve everything they possibly can as they move through their education into independent adult lives. We believe our Trust is at an exciting inflection point. We have all the ingredients to be an exceptional Trust.
The Trust believes that its staff and leaders are its most important asset and that valuing them and utilising their many talents will deliver the best experiences for pupils. The strategic role of Director of Education involves drawing out and developing all that is best within our very different schools, as we build a shared culture of excellence, managing the Trust’s school improvement offer, overseeing curriculum development and developing an increasingly coherent staff training programme. Our Trust’s educational priorities are rooted in commitment to inclusive, accessible education.
The Director of Education will collaborate with Headteachers and leaders in our schools and across our Trust, with external educators, and other stakeholders to drive excellence and align educational practices with our mission and strategic aims.
As a member of the Trust Executive team, the Director of Education has executive responsibility for the school improvement aspect of the Trust. The postholder will also be the Trust’s Deputy CEO and the Trust DSL.
You will be empowered to make decisions and to be creative. You will lead supportive and well-established collaborative networks in our Trust, where colleagues work together, and we learn from each other. The Trust will have a real interest in your future and will be keen to explore ways that you can develop personally and professionally. Our Trust Board is very supportive, it has many passionate and committed trustees, from a variety of backgrounds, who support Executive and school leaders to achieve their very best.
The successful candidate will be an exemplary school leader, teacher and role model with broad leadership experience, which may include working in special education. We are looking for a candidate with a proven track record of implementing sustained school improvement. A knowledge of teaching pupils with complex learning difficulties and of having worked with different age groups would be useful, but above all, you must be ambitious for all learners, whatever their additional needs. You must have the ability to initiate and lead change in a positive way which makes a real difference to learning and, share each of our school’s commitment to ensuring the students are safe and happy and achieve their full potential. Working in a supportive Trust environment must be central to your thinking, helping school leaders to receive and give capacity to the wider network of schools.
Forward Education Trust values equality and diversity and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
How to Apply
This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to all necessary pre-employment checks, including: an enhanced DBS; Prohibition check; Childcare Disqualification (where applicable); qualifications (where applicable); medical fitness; identity and right to work. All applicants will be required to provide two suitable references.
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Director of Education employer: We Manage Jobs(WMJobs)
Contact Detail:
We Manage Jobs(WMJobs) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Education
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the Forward Education Trust's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to inclusive education and collaboration will help you align your vision with theirs during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former staff members of the Trust. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights into the culture and expectations, which can be beneficial during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've led school improvement initiatives in the past. Highlighting your track record in enhancing educational outcomes will demonstrate your capability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) by discussing relevant policies or practices you've implemented. This will illustrate your expertise and commitment to supporting all learners.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Education
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Director of Education position. Familiarize yourself with the Forward Education Trust's mission and values to align your application accordingly.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in education leadership, particularly in special education and school improvement. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead change and improve educational outcomes for all learners.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for inclusive education and your commitment to collaboration. Discuss how your vision aligns with the Trust's goals and how you can contribute to their mission of providing the best education and care for children and young people.
Prepare for References: Identify two suitable references who can speak to your leadership abilities and commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Ensure they are aware they may be contacted and can provide a strong endorsement of your qualifications.
How to prepare for a job interview at We Manage Jobs(WMJobs)
✨Show Your Passion for Education
Make sure to express your genuine passion for education and the impact it has on children's lives. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles, especially in special education settings.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Leadership
Highlight your experience in leading teams and fostering collaboration among educators. Discuss how you have successfully built networks and partnerships that enhance educational practices and support school improvement.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Be ready to discuss your vision for the role and how you plan to drive excellence within the Trust. Think about strategic initiatives you've implemented in the past and how they align with the Trust's mission and values.
✨Emphasize Inclusivity and Accessibility
Given the Trust's commitment to inclusive education, be prepared to talk about your approach to ensuring that all learners, regardless of their additional needs, receive the best possible education. Share any relevant experiences or strategies you've used.
