Director of Secondary Phase Education

Wessex Learning Trust, Cheddar, BS27 3AQ

21 days remaining to apply

• Job start date

  1 January 2027

• Closing date

  11 May 2026 at 8am

• Date listed

  20 April 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: Leadership Scale Points 31 – 35 £108,202 - £119,350 pa

What skills and experience we're looking for

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an outstanding secondary Headteacher to take a central, strategic role within the Wessex Learning Trust. You will shape Trust-wide priorities, drive school improvement, and ensure our secondary schools achieve excellence for learners and staff alike. This role is about impact at scale: leading innovation in curriculum and teaching, fostering a culture of high expectations, and collaborating closely with the Chief Executive, Executive Leadership Team, and Trust Management Group. We are looking for a values-driven, dynamic leader who can inspire colleagues, strengthen the success of our secondary phase, and influence education across multiple schools. If you are passionate about school improvement, inclusive leadership, and delivering outstanding outcomes, this is your chance to make a lasting difference.

Candidates will need to demonstrate the following:

• Have significant secondary-phase Headteacher experience with credibility in leading others.

• Have the ability to demonstrate passion and enthusiasm for raising standards across a number of settings.

• Have an excellent understanding of teaching and curriculum development, educational policy and pedagogical best practices.

• Have proven experience of identifying and implementing effective strategies for improving outcomes in schools across secondary key stages.

• Have outstanding communication skills, with the ability to leverage influence with all levels of the organisation and be able to work effectively with secondary teams.

• The ability to combine rigour and high expectations with emotional intelligence and discretion.

• Be committed to ensuring that all learners in our schools receive an excellent education in a safe and stimulating environment.

What the school offers its staff

We can offer:

• The full support of a dedicated committed team of staff.

• The benefit of working in an innovative and forward-thinking Trust.

• A commitment to offering excellent CPD opportunities.

• Staff benefits, including discounted gym membership and a cycle to work scheme.

• Teacher Pension Scheme with a generous employer contribution, subject to pension eligibility criteria.

• A staff assistance programme with specialist provider, who provide a 24/7 free phone helpline, or face-to face counselling for every employee in the Wessex family.

To apply for this position, please submit an application form and letter of application (no more than two A4 sides) for the attention of Mr Gavin Ball, Chief Executive, detailing your experience and impact to date, what your vision would be for the post, and how your experience will enable you to deliver this. To be returned by email to HR@wessexlearningtrust.co.uk

The Wessex Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding young people and promoting the welfare of children, and all staff appointed will undergo online checks and be required to undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

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

Apply for the job by following the link below.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

About Wessex Learning Trust

• Type: Multi-academy trust
• Website: Wessex Learning Trust website
• Email address: hr@wessexlearningtrust.co.uk
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/wessex-learning-trust

The Wessex Learning Trust is a leading multi-academy trust in the South West of England, offering a world class, twenty-first century education for all young people aged between two and nine-teen.

We are passionate about providing the very best education for all the children in our care. Our ambition is that every student is helped to achieve their full potential so that they can make a positive contribution to our society and realise their lifetime ambitions.

Each individual Academy in the Wessex Learning Trust is encouraged to maintain its own distinctive ethos, be at the centre of their community and raise aspirations and achievement. This is achieved in two ways: firstly, through excellent teaching to inspire curiosity, unlock talents and realise potential; and secondly, by ensuring high quality care, guidance and support that ensures the personal development and welfare of each child.

By working together, we believe we can harness the talents of all our staff, share good practice between all our Academies and share resources that enable us to concentrate on delivering excellence in education.

Arranging a visit to Wessex Learning Trust

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email hr@wessexlearningtrust.co.uk.

Head office location

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