Director of Secondary Education
Ormiston Academies Trust, Birmingham, B3 1SF25 days remaining to apply
Start date details
September 2026
Closing date
13 April 2026 at 10am
Date listed
19 March 2026
Job details
Job role
- Other leadership roles
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- £150,000.00 - £160,000.00 Annually (FTE)
Director of Secondary Education job summary
Work where it matters most, achieve what matters more
Be part of a team where passion meets purpose, as we work together where the challenge is greatest to change the lives and build the futures of children and young people.
We are seeking an exceptional and experienced leader to join our Trust as Director of Secondary Education. This is a pivotal role in Ormiston, focused on accelerating school improvement across our secondary academies, developing a team of Education Directors, and supporting Principals to deliver the best outcomes for every pupil.
The successful candidate will combine strategic vision with operational rigour, building a culture of high ambition, collective responsibility, and excellence across the secondary phase. Alongside the National Director of Secondary Education, you will foster collaborative working between schools, and ensure that every decision, resource, and intervention drives measurable improvement.
This role operates across the full national portfolio of secondary schools, with direct line management responsibility for a small portfolio of schools, likely to be in the East region, which encompasses Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk. We have a Birmingham office, and you will travel to our academies and other locations as necessary.
You will have senior responsibility within the trust, deputising for the National Director of Secondary Education where necessary, representing the secondary phase in Trust-wide decision-making, and directly line-managing a small group of Principals. If you are passionate about developing leaders, accelerating outcomes, and making a difference in schools and communities, this is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of secondary education in our Trust.
About you
We are looking for a values‑led, mission‑driven leader who believes in the power of education to transform lives. The successful candidate will bring a proven record of accelerating improvement across secondary schools and the expertise needed to raise standards where it matters most.
You will lead with clarity and purpose to empower senior leaders while holding them to high expectations. With a strategic mindset, strong data insight, and a collaborative approach, you will remove barriers, and secure exceptional outcomes for every pupil. This is an opportunity for an ambitious, high performing leader to deliver improved educational outcomes at scale and have national impact in this career defining role.
Why work for Ormiston?
Our vision is to create a school system where every child thrives, regardless of background. Our people are at the heart of our approach - they are our greatest asset.
We exist to provide the best learning opportunities every day, in every school for every child. It is the people and teams in our Trust who make this a reality and ensure we have the greatest impact. If you join us at Ormiston, whatever your role, your work will have purpose and meaning.
Ormiston, where every member of staff enjoys…
The opportunity to build on the legacy of those who came before - being part of one of the longest standing Trusts, created with the sole purpose of enabling children and young people to thrive
Working for a Trust nationally recognised for its impact on disadvantaged children - a rewarding, stimulating career where staff are challenged to be the best they can be, for the pupils we are proud to serve
Being part of a team and community where you belong - being part of a well-resourced and ambitious network of experts and professionals that work at the heart of communities
A supportive environment to grow your career - an extensive professional development programme, alongside flexible working arrangements and generous benefits
Benefits that care for you
When you join us at Ormiston, you can expect robust and holistic support from us to enable you to excel in your role. Our benefits package includes:
- 31 days annual leave plus statutory holidays
- Membership of LGPS
- Private health insurance
- Access to health and well-being programmes, including counselling service.
- Discounts on retail, travel, and leisure through our benefits platform.
- Free and confidential legal, tax and health 24/7 helpline
- Cycle to work scheme
- Automatic pay progression
- Flexible working arrangements
And much more as part of a leading multi-academy trust
Relocation assistance may be available to support the successful candidate.
If you are passionate about making a difference and are ready to lead in a challenging yet rewarding environment, we would love to hear from you.
For further information about this exciting leadership opportunity please contact Natasha Rancins, National Director of Secondary Education on 07971 531 920 or via email at natasha.rancins@ormistonacademies.co.uk.
The closing date for applications is Monday 13 April with interviews being held on Friday 17 April.
More information about this post and the role is available in the accompanying information pack.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
Ormiston Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. Ormiston Academies Trust embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Flexible working opportunities will be considered.
All successful appointments will be subject to suitability checks in accordance with KCSIE, including identity, Right to Work, qualifications, online searches, prohibition check, two references and enhanced DBS check including Children’s Barred List.
The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. Guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975, which provides information about which convictions must be declared during job applications and related exceptions, can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-guidance-on-the-rehabilitation-of-offenders-act-1974
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
OAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and the expectation is that all staff will share this commitment. Therefore, the successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS and barred list check.
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 Ormiston Academies Trust
- Type
- Multi-academy trust
We are a national education charity, underpinned by our founder, Peter Murray’s (Ormiston Trust) belief that every child should be given a chance to thrive. We serve pupils from many communities, all with their unique character, strengths, and challenges.
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