Director of Curriculum and Standards (Primary)

Required September 2026

Initial 1-Year Fixed Term Contract

Grade - Commensurate with current role

Part Time – equivalent of 2 days per week (0.4 FTE)

We are seeking an outstanding and experienced educational leader to join the Trust team as Director of Curriculum and Standards (Primary), playing a pivotal role in shaping the quality of education across our primary schools.

Working closely with the CEO and Deputy CEO, this is a unique opportunity to influence teaching, curriculum and school improvement at scale. You will be part of the Trust’s central education team, driving high standards and ensuring every child benefits from an ambitious, inclusive and high-quality education.

This role offers the opportunity to work strategically across multiple schools while maintaining a strong operational presence, supporting leaders and developing practice that has a lasting impact on pupil outcomes.

This role is uniquely positioned to:

●        Lead the Trust’s primary phase education strategy

●        Shape high-quality teaching, curriculum and assessment across all primary schools

●        Drive sustained primary school improvement and raise standards

●        Support and challenge headteachers to achieve excellence

●        Contribute to Trust-wide strategy and organisational development

●        Influence the education of primary school pupils across a growing and ambitious Trust

The Role

●     Lead the development and implementation of the Trust’s primary education strategy

●     Work closely with headteachers to drive school improvement and raise standards

●     Ensure consistently high standards of teaching, curriculum, behaviour and assessment

●     Line manage the Teaching & Learning Lead: Primary and others, as required

●     Oversee robust monitoring, evaluation and follow-up actions from reviews

●     Champion a broad, ambitious and inclusive curriculum for all pupils

●     Promote evidence-informed practice and innovation in teaching and learning

●     Provide both support and challenge to school leaders

●     Contribute to Trust-wide strategic planning and align priorities with resources

You will work both strategically and operationally, maintaining a visible presence in schools and building strong, collaborative relationships across the Trust.

The Person

We are seeking a credible, strategic and values-driven leader who is passionate about improving education for all pupils.

You will likely bring:

●        Successful senior leadership experience within a primary school or Trust

●        A strong track record of leading school improvement and raising standards

●        Deep understanding of high-quality teaching, curriculum and assessment

●        The ability to analyse data and use it to drive improvement

●        Strong communication skills and the ability to inspire and influence others

●        Experience of working collaboratively across schools or with governing bodies

●        Knowledge of current educational policy and accountability frameworks

You will also demonstrate:

●        A commitment to inclusion, safeguarding and equality

●        High levels of integrity, professionalism and resilience

●        The ability to balance strategic thinking with operational delivery

●    A collaborative approach, with the ability to work effectively within a wider leadership team

Please apply in writing to Mr Alan Gray, CEO, via hr@aetrust.uk demonstrating:

● The required knowledge, skills and experience relevant to the post

● Your vision and progression of the post

● Your ability to work collaboratively to achieve the highest possible standards

Closing Date for applications: Monday 11th May:  9.00am

Interview Date: Friday 15th May 2026

For further information please speak to the Central HR Team 

AET is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointment to a post with AET is subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, as well as other pre-appointment checks including an online check, as outlined in Keeping Children Safe in Education.

Our aim is to build on our proven track records of maintaining exceptional standards and driving continuous school improvement. We are building a collaborative partnership of schools which will provide an exceptional educational experience, both within and outside the classroom, by promoting excellence and stretching challenge.

We are committed to the aim of ensuring that everyone who applies to work for us receives fair treatment and we positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of age, disability, race, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership and caring status. We expect all our staff to demonstrate a commitment to advancing equality of opportunity and fostering good relations.