Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Westcountry Schools Trust, Ivybridge, PL21 0JA32 days remaining to apply
Start date details
September 2026
Closing date
5 January 2026 at 8am
Date listed
14 November 2025
Job details
Job role
- Other leadership roles
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- Highly Competitive
Additional allowances
Highly Competitive
Chief Operating Officer (COO) job summary
Join Westcountry Schools Trust (WeST) as Chief Operating Officer
Westcountry Schools Trust (WeST) is a thriving family of 31 schools across the South West, with 8 secondaries and 23 primaries, united by one simple vision:
“Every child achieving in a great school.”
Each school retains its local identity while benefiting from the strength, expertise and collaboration of the wider Trust. Together, we share best practice, champion inclusivity and uphold values of Collaboration, Aspiration, Integrity, Compassion and Respect.
About the role
As Chief Operating Officer (COO), you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping WeST’s next chapter. Reporting to the CEO, you will:
- Lead and integrate all operational functions across the Trust: Estates, HR, IT, Governance, Comms, Marketing and Business Administration.
- Develop and deliver a unified operations strategy aligned with our school improvement priorities.
- Build high-performing, collaborative teams that deliver excellent, efficient and consistent services to every school.
- Strengthen our operational foundations so school leaders can focus on what matters most: teaching and learning.
- Be part of the Trust Executive Leadership Team, influencing strategic direction and driving positive change across WeST.
This is a rare opportunity to help steer a large, successful and values-driven Trust through a period of transformation and growth.
About you
We’re looking for a strategic and collaborative leader with:
- Senior leadership experience in education, the public sector or a large multi-site organisation.
- A strong track record in operational leadership across key service areas.
- Expertise in leading change, improving systems, and building relationships across complex organisations.
- Integrity, emotional intelligence, and a clear commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.
Why join WeST as Chief Operating Officer?
- Influence the strategic future of one of the South West’s most respected Trusts.
- Work with talented colleagues who share a strong moral purpose.
- Lead meaningful change that directly supports great teaching and learning.
- Enjoy a collaborative, outward-looking and supportive professional culture.
Procedures
All appointments are subject to pre-employment checks. That means:
- We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A copy of our Child Protection Policy & Safeguarding Policy is attached.
- Your identity will be confirmed by sight of original, official documents such as a Birth Certificate, Passport etc. in line with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996.
- Original documents relating to all the qualifications you have listed on your application form must be supplied.
- Your employment history will be thoroughly examined and clarification will be sought where there are gaps or other discrepancies arising from information provided either by you as the candidate or your referee.
- References will be used to check dates of employment and your relevant experience. A minimum of two written references will be taken up and these references will be requested before the interview.
- References should cover the last 3-5 years’ work history, as a minimum.
- An online search of shortlisted candidates will be conducted in accordance with Part Three ‘Safer Recruitment’ of Keeping Children Safe in Education statutory guidance.
- The identity of referees and information relating to disclosures will be verified.
- You will be required to provide details of any relevant unspent or spent convictions in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment) Order 1986.
- An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be requested. Please note that it is an offence to apply, offer or accept to do any work with children (paid or unpaid) if disqualified from working with children. Applicants will be challenged where inconsistencies exist. Please be aware that a firm offer of appointment will only be made after receipt and verification of all satisfactory checks. Westcountry Schools Trust will carry out these checks and should you fail these checks, our offer of employment will be withdrawn.
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.
Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.
Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children
You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Applying for the job
This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on external website (opens in new tab)About Westcountry Schools Trust
- Type
- Multi-academy trust
Head office location
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