Director of Learning

Working Pattern: Full Time

Contract type: Permanent

Start date: September 2026

Salary: Inner London Pay Scale + TLR 1a £10,174 or equivalent allowance for support staff

Location: City of London Academy Highbury Grove

Disclosure level: Enhanced

About Us

City of London Academies Trust believes strongly in the transformational nature of education operating schools in areas of significant disadvantage. We understand that strong outcomes lead to improved life chances for our students, so we are unashamedly academic and unapologetically results driven. Each of our schools adopt a ‘warm/strict’ approach, combining high expectations with care and support. Our level of care means we never compromise on standards or expectations, ensuring that no student’s background becomes a reason for lowering the bar. Our schools maintain exemplary standards of behaviour, with systems, rituals and norms that instil strong habits. As a result, our schools provide an environment where our teachers can teach, and students can learn without disruption. We take great pride in fostering an exceptionally positive learning environment and we work meticulously to maintain our strong ethos and culture.

COLAT is driven by an unwavering ambition to be the best. We believe exceptional leaders and teachers create outstanding schools, transforming lives and shaping the future of every student. We have academies located in north, south and east London, and we combine the heritage and tradition of the Corporation of London with a genuinely innovative, enterprising, and entrepreneurial ethos. We are also committed to providing training and development to all our staff, plus excellent career advancement opportunities within our evolving Trust.

About you

You will be fully aligned with our approach, understanding the critical role you play in shaping a behavioural and learning culture within our school. You will be adept at using direct instruction pedagogy and delivering a well sequenced, knowledge rich curriculum. Dynamic, inspiring and highly effective, you will strive to surpass what has been achieved. You will be committed to creating an environment that promotes academic, creative, sporting, linguistic and personal achievement.

This is an exciting time to be part of the City of London Academies Trust, and we very much hope that you will be inspired to want to join us. We are committed to investing in the next generation of COLAT people who will embody the Trust’s culture, values and ethos.

About the Role

The City of London Academy Highbury Grove is looking for an exceptional Director of Learning to be responsible for all aspects of student welfare and attainment within a Year group. The successful applicant will be committed to ensuring children enjoy learning and achieve to the best of their ability and as such will play a pivotal role in leading and driving Academy improvement.

This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of the team to bring the Academy forward to achieving its ambition to be an Outstanding Academy. We are committed to providing first-rate training and development to all of our staff, as well as excellent career advancement opportunities within this evolving Trust.

If you match our ambition and want to join our dedicated team of professionals, we would love to hear from you. Candidates must address the person specification in no more than 1,000 words. Applications must be submitted via the My New Term portal.

Closing date for applications 9 am Friday 27 February 2026.

Interviews will take place shortly after the closing date.

Applications will be assessed upon receipt and we reserve the right to interview and appoint prior to the closing date. An early application is therefore strongly recommended.

City of London Academies Trust supports Equal Opportunities Employment.

City of London Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to undergo appropriate checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, including enhanced DBS checks and a willingness to demonstrate commitment to the standards which flows from City of London Academies Trust vision and values.

Our school is based in the heart of an evolving community in Islington, and we value the diversity of our workforce. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join our team.

The role is covered by part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 and therefore the ability to speak fluent spoken English is an essential requirement for this role.

City of London Academies Trust Company Registration No. 04504128.