Head of School Operations
Watling Academy, Milton Keynes, MK8 1EP19 days remaining to apply
Start date details
September 2026
Closing date
22 June 2026 at 9am
Date listed
3 June 2026
Job details
Job role
- Administration, HR, data and finance
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Full time
Contract type
- Permanent
Full-time equivalent salary
- £65,042.00 - £69,852.00 Annually (FTE)
Head of School Operations job summary
HEAD OF SCHOOL OPERATIONS
Commencing - September 2026
All Year Round
37.5 hours per week
Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm
(60-minute unpaid break each day)
Salary - £65,042 to £69,852 p.a.
Are you a leader with a track record of driving high-quality business and financial management? Can you navigate complex challenges with sound judgement, professionalism and a solutions-focused mindset?
The Role
Watling Academy is seeking an exceptional leader to take on the role of Head of School Operations - a pivotal position at the heart of our continued growth and success. Working alongside the Headteacher and as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will lead the financial, operational and business functions that keep our Academy running smoothly and future‑focused.
You will oversee budget planning, financial strategy, capital projects, procurement, IT development, premises management and business continuity, ensuring every system is efficient, compliant and aligned with our long‑term vision. Leading a skilled cross‑functional team, you will drive continuous improvement, champion best practice and ensure our operations evolve with the Academy’s needs.
This role is ideal for a forward‑thinking, solutions‑driven professional who can balance strategic insight with operational rigour. You will provide confident advice to senior colleagues and Governors, build strong relationships across the Academy and Trust, and play a central role in creating a safe, well‑run and aspirational environment for staff and students.
About Watling Academy
Watling Academy is an Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ secondary school situated on the western edge of Milton Keynes, encompassing the Whitehouse and Fairfields developments. Opening in September 2020, our school is a new and vibrant learning community for students aged 11-18. We are excited to have opened the Watling Academy Sixth Form to our first cohort of Year 12 students from September 2025, which will provide further educational opportunities. Our core values of Respect, Responsibility and Kindness embody the ‘Watling Way’ and are integral to the way we interact, learn and grow together as a community.
For more information about our school, please explore our website: www.watlingacademy.net
Learn more about why you should join us by downloading the attached Watling Academy Recruitment Pack
About The Alliance Schools Trust
The Alliance Schools Trust is driven by our mission of Care, Education and Opportunity. We prioritise care by ensuring that no student or staff member ever feels anonymous. Everyone is recognised, valued and supported, creating a strong sense of belonging within our community. Our commitment to education is reflected in our proven track record of academic success, consistently outperforming both Milton Keynes and national averages. We offer opportunity through supportive and dynamic learning environments, where every student can thrive and be well-prepared for future success in higher education or employment. For staff, we offer extensive opportunities for professional development and progression within our growing network of schools, empowering you to advance your career within a united, forward-thinking Trust.
We are recognised as leaders in raising educational standards both within our Trust and in the schools we support. We are proud to appoint motivated, highly qualified staff who thrive in a culture where collaboration and the spirit of partnership are central to everything we do.
How to Apply
Due to our commitment to safer recruitment practices, we can only accept applications through My New Term. Please do not submit CVs.
The Alliance Schools Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful applicants.
E-mail: hr@tastrust.org.uk
Headteacher: Mrs Emma Anderson
Closing date for applications: Monday 22nd June 2026, 9am
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 Watling Academy
- School type
- Free Schools, None, ages 11 to 18
- Education phase
- Secondary school
- School size
- 1500 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Watling Academy website
Watling Academy is a purpose-built secondary school in its second year of operation, located within the Whitehouse development on the western expansion area of Milton Keynes. The Academy will have 1800 students when at full capacity. Watling Academy is part of the Denbigh Alliance MAT.
School location
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