Following a national recruitment process, our current Principal, Matt Birkett, will join Focus Trust’s central team as our new Education Director from 1 September 2026.  

We therefore have a fantastic opportunity for an exceptional and talented leader to join Boothroyd Primary Academy, as successor to Matt Birkett, who has overseen a significant trajectory of improvement whilst at Boothroyd.  The successful candidate must have a strong drive and ambition to make a positive difference to children’s lives and who will continually improve the school in all areas. 

Focus-Trust is looking for an experienced school leader who can demonstrate tangible impact from their work.  You will:

This is an exciting opportunity to join our school and growing Trust.  The role will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer, being responsible for providing consistently high-quality leadership and management which ensures continuing improvement and success with a focus on accelerating and sustaining pupil progress.

The successful candidate will need to be a team player who is able to lead effectively, with compassion and be able to motivate others and demonstrate a commitment to achieving high standards.

The role will be based at Boothroyd Primary Academy, but could involve some travel to our other schools within the Trust.  This of course will be reasonable and appropriate to the role.  

Focus-Trust  

Focus-Trust was established in 2012.  We are a charitable primary trust, based in the North-West of England and West Yorkshire and are dedicated to working with our 15 primary schools.  

It is the core purpose of Focus-Trust to continually strive to be a learning organisation, where the learning of all children and adults is valued and promoted. 

We passionately believe equality of opportunity starts with education; irrespective of where you were born or where you live, a high-quality education in one of our great schools will make a fundamental difference to all our children's lives, career prospects and social mobility. 

We are proud to have a great team of people working in our central team and within our schools who always put children at the heart of our practice. We are committed to providing excellent professional development opportunities for all our staff and always aim to be an employer of choice. 

We welcome people who share our values and approach to our work and who can help us make our mission a reality: ‘Learning together, making the difference’ and help us demonstrate our vision; ‘Great schools at the heart of our communities’. 

School visits are encouraged.  Please contact Lisa Lynch, Academy Business Manager 01924 562425 to arrange a visit.  

Additional Reasons to Join Us: 

Commitment to Safeguarding 

Focus-Trust is committed to safeguarding and protecting the welfare of children and young people.  There is an explicit expectation that all staff, trustees, governors and volunteers share this commitment and adhere to all safeguarding policies and procedures. Applicants should be aware that the recruitment process will include an assessment of your suitability to work with children and must be willing to undergo pre-employment checks.  Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Focus-Trust is an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcomes applications from underrepresented groups and ethnic minorities.