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 22^nd June 2026, 9am