Solent Academies TrustDirector of School Improvement Opportunity

Welcome from the CEO

Dear Colleague,

Solent Academies Trust currently has five amazing special schools located in Portsmouth, West Sussex and now in Hampshire. Founded by Mary Rose Academy which now celebrates its fourth outstanding OFSTED rating, our Trust has 17 years’ experience in transforming the lives of our children and families through high quality specialist education for pupils aged 2 - 19. We pride ourselves on harnessing the benefits of being a multi academy trust, working closely together to accelerate school improvement and share innovative practice to improve outcomes for all pupils and develop a strong learning community. We are actively growing our Trust to widen further our impact for young people with special educational needs and we are delighted to have recently gained Secretary of State approval for a new Special Free School in Hampshire.

We have an exceptional track record demonstrating that we make a positive difference to the lives of the children and young people across our thriving communities. We are also very proud of our continuous impact through our outward facing school improvement activities, through the Trust School Improvement Offer, and by leading the Portsmouth Challenge Partners Hub and local STEM Enthuse Partnership.

This is a very exciting opportunity for an experienced and outstanding leader who is ambitious, energetic and keen to achieve the best possible outcomes for our young people with special educational needs and disabilities. The successful candidate will work closely with the Chief Executive and members of the Strategic Senior Leader Team to implement key areas of our Trust Strategic Plan, leading trust wide continuous school improvement and make a significant contribution to trust wide learning, development and research strategy.

We are looking for a confident, empowering and inspiring individual who is passionate about improving the lives of children, young people and families. This is a rewarding and challenging role as it will require you to be adept at thinking strategically, capable of building links with and engaging and influencing a range of stakeholders as well as demonstrating credibility. You will also be an excellent leader of people, able to build high performing teams and a culture of continuous improvement through coaching, collaboration and partnerships. The ideal candidate will be an experienced leader with Headship or Executive Headship experience, and preferably experience in providing first class education to pupils with special educational needs and disabilities.

Our Trust is looking for courage, tenacity and self-enterprise within its leadership. The academies are growing and expanding, and this role will be key in ensuring that the Vision, Mission and Values of Solent Academies Trust are led, championed and embedded consistently. An immediate priority will be supporting our newest academies to achieve outstanding outcomes and high standards across all aspects of the educational provision, support with the onboarding of new schools, and also contribute to key areas of our free school project planning and implementation.

As Chief Executive, I am keen to ensure a dynamic and forward thinking, experienced senior leader person is appointed to this position. We are certain that our new Director of School Improvement will find the position both professionally and personally rewarding, working closely with a very experienced Strategic Senior Leadership Team. I look forward to getting to know candidates throughout the recruitment process.

We very much encourage you to visit us, where we will be delighted to show you one of our wonderful schools. To arrange this or for further information please contact Martin Blair at Hays Recruitment (07736791138 or martin.blair@hays.com).

I wish you all the very best with your application.

Mrs Sharon Burt

MBA, CMgr FCMI

Chief Executive Officer

Our Values

Vacancy details

Core Purpose

School improvement is our Trust’s key priority, and the Director of School Improvement will join a well-resourced Trust and ambitious team. We work collaboratively to help our pupils, and everyone connected to our academies achieve excellence and human flourishing. By working together and sharing ideas, insights and best practice, our academies support each other to continuously improve.

Salary

L28 - 34 (£91,632 to £106,138), starting salary negotiable dependent on experience

Timeline

Closing date –8am, Monday 18th March

Interviews – Tuesday 26th March

Start date – September 2024

Visits

Candidates are welcome to visit the school, and this can be organised by contacting Martin Blair at Hays Leadership Appointments

How To Apply

For further information, an informal and confidential discussion about the role or to discuss the application process please contact Martin Blair at Hays Leadership Appointments.

Safeguarding

Solent Academies Trust value equality and diversity and are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be subject to safer recruitment practises including satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check for the appointed candidate.

Martin Blair

Hays Leadership Appointments

Tel: 07736791138

Email: martin.blair@hays.com

Key Documents