Director of Primary Education

Job Title:

Director of Primary Education

Location:

Spark Education Trust Head Office, at Whinstone Primary School (Ingleby Barwick)

Start Date:

September 2026

Actual Salary: £100,540 to £110,892 (Leadership, L28 to L32)

Hours of Work: 1

FTE

Contract Type:
Permanent

Closing Date: 12.00pm, Monday 2nd February 2026

Interviews:
Thursday 12th February and Friday 13th February 2026 (two-day process)

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and inspirational Primary Senior Leader who is seeking a new challenge and wishes to join a dynamic and supportive multi-academy trust.

We are seeking an outstanding Director of Primary Education to lead and inspire our group of 11 primary schools. This is a pivotal role within our Trust, offering a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of thousands of children.

• Provide strategic leadership and drive improvement across all primary schools within the Trust.
• Work as part of a dynamic team of Directors of Education, contributing to Trust-wide priorities.
• Lead one of our key cross-phase themes, ensuring consistency and excellence across all schools.
• Champion high standards of teaching, learning, and pupil outcomes.

• An experienced and inspirational leader with a proven track record of success in primary education.
• Someone who can combine strategic vision with operational excellence.
• A collaborative leader who thrives on working with others to achieve outstanding outcomes for children.

Spark Education Trust is a newly merged Trust which currently consists of 11 Primary Schools and 4 Secondary Schools. Spark Education Trust can offer you a professional challenge and a rewarding opportunity, working with collaborative schools that are passionate about the progress and development of every student.

• A positive and caring ethos and working atmosphere.
• Friendly children, eager to learn and achieve.
• An aspirational curriculum for all students.
• A committed, enthusiastic and supportive staff team.
• Excellent support from our Trust Board, the staff and parents/carers.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development.

If you wish to arrange a phone call to discuss the role further, please contact the HR Team on the below email address.

Please make sure your application form and a covering letter detailing how your experience to date supports your suitability for the role (maximum two sides of A4, font size 11) are completed and returned via email to vac addressed to Louise Spellman, Chief Executive Officer.

Please note that feedback will only be given to shortlisted candidates, if you do not receive an invitation to interview within 30 days of the advert’s closing date assume that you have been unsuccessful in your application for this post.

The Spark Education Trust is committed to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. The position you are applying for is exempt from the rehabilitation of offenders act 1974. We will also carry out an online search on shortlisted candidates to help identify any incidents or issues that are publicly available online.