Programme Manager at Ormiston Academies Trust

Work where it matters most, achieve what matters more 

Be part of a team where passion meets purpose, as we work together where the challenge is greatest to change lives and build the futures of children and young people. 

Great teachers and leaders change lives. At Ormiston Academies Trust, we're committed to developing exceptional educators so that every child can thrive. We're looking for a talented Programme Manager to join us on a 12-month maternity cover contract from October 2026. In this role, you will support the delivery of professional development programmes that help our teachers and leaders professional development. 

You'll manage the delivery of our Early Career Framework (ECF) and National Professional Qualification (NPQ) programmes, ensuring a seamless experience from enrolment to completion. Each year we support more than 100 teachers and aspiring leaders through NPQs and almost 200 Early Career Teachers, helping them develop the skills and expertise needed to excel in the classroom and beyond.

Success in this role will require strong organisation, good judgement and the ability to build positive working relationships. You’ll manage competing priorities, deal with issues as they arise and make sure participants receive the support they need. Working with schools, delivery partners and colleagues across OAT, you’ll help deliver programmes that support teachers and develop future school leaders.

About you 

You will be highly organised, take initiative and have experience of managing programmes, projects or complex administrative work. You will be able to juggle different priorities without losing sight of the detail and follow tasks through to completion.

You will communicate clearly and build good working relationships with colleagues, schools and external partners. You will also be comfortable working with data, producing reports and using information to spot issues and improve how programmes are delivered.

You'll have:

• A degree or equivalent relevant experience.

• Strong organisational and project coordination skills.

• Confidence using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.

• The ability to maintain accurate records and handle confidential information appropriately.

• A proactive, solutions-focused approach and a commitment to continuous improvement.

A project or programme management qualification, and experience within education, teaching development or professional learning, would be advantageous but are not essential.

Most importantly, you'll share our belief in the potential of every child and be passionate about supporting teachers and future leaders to achieve their best.

Why work for Ormiston? 

Our vision is to create a school system where every child thrives, regardless of background. Our people are at the heart of our approach – they are our greatest asset.  

We exist to provide the best learning opportunities every day, in every school for every child. It is the people and teams in our Trust who make this a reality and ensure we have the greatest impact. If you join us at Ormiston, whatever your role, your work will have purpose and meaning.

Ormiston, where every member of staff enjoys… 

• The opportunity to build on the legacy of those who came before – being part of one of the longest standing Trusts, created with the sole purpose of enabling children and young people to thrive 

• Working for a Trust nationally recognised for its impact on disadvantaged children – a rewarding, stimulating career where staff are challenged to be the best they can be, for the pupils we are proud to serve 

• Being part of a team and community where you belong – being part of a well-resourced and ambitious network of experts and professionals that work at the heart of communities 

• A supportive environment to grow your career – an extensive professional development programme, alongside flexible working arrangements and generous benefits 

As a staff member at an Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT) academy, you can expect a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional development, personal well-being, and work-life balance. While specific benefits may vary slightly between individual academies, the core offerings across the Trust include: 

• A collaborative space where people feel respected, empowered, and truly valued 

• A nationwide school network offering shared resources and opportunities.  

• Flexible working arrangements 

• Automatic pay progression   

• Generous pension and life cover 

• Discounts on retail, travel and leisure through our benefits platform 

• Access to discounts including the Blue Light Card  

• Cycle to work scheme  

• Access to health and well-being programmes, including counselling service.

For further information please see the attached Job Description and if you would like to arrange an informal call about the role, please contact Eleanor Martin, Head of Professional Developmenteleanor.martin@ormistonacademies.co.uk

Applications must be received by 9am on 20 August. Interviews will take place week commencing 31 August.  

Ormiston Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. Ormiston Academies Trust embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity.  Flexible working opportunities will be considered.

All successful appointments will be subject to suitability checks in accordance with KCSIE, including identity, Right to Work, qualifications, online searches, prohibition check, two references and enhanced DBS check including Children’s Barred List.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. Guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975, which provides information about which convictions must be declared during job applications and related exceptions, can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-guidance-on-the-rehabilitation-of-offenders-act-1974