Maiden Erlegh School in Reading is seeking to appoint an ambitious, committed and reflective Associate Senior Leader to join our Senior Leadership Team.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and successful middle leader who is ready to take the next step in their leadership journey. The successful candidate will work closely with senior leaders to support whole-school improvement, contribute to strategic planning, and help secure strong outcomes for students.

The specific leadership portfolio will be agreed according to the strengths and experience of the successful candidate and the priorities of the school. The role will provide valuable experience of senior leadership in a supportive, collaborative and high-expectation environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the strategic leadership and operational management of the school. 

• Contribute to school improvement planning, self-evaluation and quality assurance. 

• Lead agreed areas of whole-school development and ensure effective implementation. 

• Work with colleagues to raise standards of teaching, learning, behaviour and student outcomes. 

• Support the development of a positive, inclusive and ambitious school culture. 

• Use data and evidence effectively to identify priorities, monitor progress and evaluate impact. 

• Build effective relationships with colleagues, students, families and wider stakeholders. 

• Model high professional standards and contribute positively to the wider leadership of the school. 

• Support safeguarding, inclusion and student wellbeing in line with school and Trust expectations. 

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a colleague who:

• Is an excellent classroom practitioner with a strong track record of impact. 

• Has successful experience of middle leadership or whole-school leadership responsibilities. 

• Can lead, motivate and support colleagues effectively. 

• Has strong organisational, communication and interpersonal skills. 

• Is reflective, resilient and committed to continuous improvement. 

• Can analyse information, identify priorities and take effective action. 

• Has high expectations for all students and a clear commitment to inclusion. 

• Shares our Trust values of aiming high, being inclusive and working together. 

• Is ready to contribute to senior leadership while continuing to develop professionally. 

Maiden Erlegh School in Reading (MER)

Maiden Erlegh School in Reading is an ambitious, over-subscribed 11–16 secondary school in an urban context. The school is as committed to staff and student wellbeing as it is to delivering high-quality education.

Staff voice is central to shaping change and wellbeing priorities. The school benefits from excellent modern facilities and is proud of its vibrant, diverse student body who work hard and have high aspirations. A link to the school can be found here

About Maiden Erlegh Trust

Maiden Erlegh Trust is a growing community of schools across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every child and young person. With around 800 staff and 5,000 students across eleven schools, including primary, secondary, special and alternative provision, we are proud of the diversity that shapes our expertise.

We Aim High, Be Inclusive and Work Together. These values drive our focus on high-quality education for all through collaboration, inclusion and continuous improvement.

Through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, colleagues access high-quality professional learning at every stage of their career, supported by mentoring, leadership opportunities and our annual MET Staff Conference, a day that brings colleagues together to share best practice and learn from one another.

Joining our Trust means being part of a community that invests in people and values expertise, playing a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomes of young people.

Further information about working with us, and insight from colleagues across the Trust, can be found here on our website.

Benefits of Working with Maiden Erlegh Trust

Staff wellbeing and professional development are central to how we work. Colleagues benefit from a wide range of opportunities and schemes, including :

Pension Scheme – Generous employer contributions through the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme

Annual Leave – Generous entitlement, increasing with length of service

ME Day – One additional day’s leave each year for a significant personal event

Professional Development – Extensive CPD through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, annual Trust Conference and apprenticeship opportunities

Hybrid Working – Flexible working arrangements for eligible roles

Perkbox – Discounts, wellbeing resources and monthly perk points

Wellbeing and Health – Free flu vaccinations and eye tests (where eligible)

Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 support and discount schemes

Mental Health First Aid Support

Recognition and Community – Celebrating achievements and milestones across #TeamMET

Employee Referral Scheme

Working for our Trust means contributing to something larger by supporting the education and life chances of children and young people every day.

Additional Information

If you believe this is an environment where you can thrive, develop and make a meaningful contribution, please contact recruitment@maidenerleghtrust.org for an informal discussion.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as we reserve the right to close the advert and interview at any time.

Maiden Erlegh Trust is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references