Director of Education (Primary) – Join the WeST Family

Westcountry Schools Trust (WeST) is a tight-knit family of 31 schools - 8 secondary and 23 primaries - working together across the Southwest. We are ambitious for every child and committed to delivering excellence through collaboration, innovation, and shared values. 

About the Role

As Director of Education (Primary), you will provide inspirational, strategic leadership of school improvement across a portfolio of WeST primary schools, securing better-than-national progress and keeping a sharp focus on the achievement of disadvantaged pupils. 

Key areas of impact include:

• Leading and quality‑assuring school improvement across assigned schools, using forensic analysis of in‑year performance to plan and deploy support (including WeST Lead Practitioners and external expertise).
• Holding Headteachers/Principals to account through performance and development processes, and day‑to‑day professional challenge and support.
• Ensuring thorough preparation for and follow‑up to Ofsted inspections to secure the very best outcomes.
• Championing a stimulating, challenging primary curriculum and high‑quality, evidence‑based pedagogy.
• Serving on the Trust’s Executive Leadership Team, deputising for the Chief Executive when required, advising the Board on standards, and contributing to Trust growth (including due diligence for new schools).
• Working in partnership with our Director of Inclusion to improve outcomes for disadvantaged and vulnerable learners.
• Contributing to the wider Trust through the WeST Training Institute (WTI), teacher training (ITT), and leadership programmes 

Procedures

• All appointments are subject to pre-employment checks. That means:
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A copy of our Child Protection Policy & Safeguarding Policy is attached.
• Your identity will be confirmed by sight of original, official documents such as a Birth Certificate, Passport etc. in line with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996.
• Original documents relating to all the qualifications you have listed on your application form must be supplied.
• Your employment history will be thoroughly examined and clarification will be sought where there are gaps or other discrepancies arising from information provided either by you as the candidate or your referee.
• References will be used to check dates of employment and your relevant experience. A minimum of two written references will be taken up and these references will be requested before the interview.
• References should cover the last 3-5 years’ work history, as a minimum.
• An online search of shortlisted candidates will be conducted in accordance with Part Three ‘Safer Recruitment’ of Keeping Children Safe in Education statutory guidance.
• The identity of referees and information relating to disclosures will be verified.
• You will be required to provide details of any relevant unspent or spent convictions in accordance with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment) Order 1986.
• An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be requested. Please note that it is an offence to apply, offer or accept to do any work with children (paid or unpaid) if disqualified from working with children. Applicants will be challenged where inconsistencies exist. Please be aware that a firm offer of appointment will only be made after receipt and verification of all satisfactory checks. Westcountry Schools Trust will carry out these checks and should you fail these checks, our offer of employment will be withdrawn.

Further details about the Trust can be found on our website (www.westst.org.uk) and on My New Term (https://mynewterm.com/trust/Westcountry-Schools-Trust/142688)