Course Programme Leader (Primary)

Leighacademiestrust; Salters Cross; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Leigh Institute, within Kent and Medway Training (KMT), is seeking an experienced Course Programme Lead (Primary) to oversee the operational delivery of Primary ITT programmes, lead subject faculties and build strong school partnerships. You will mentor trainee teachers, lead recruitment and assessment, and drive strategic projects on subject knowledge enhancement and equivalency testing.

Candidates should hold QTS with EYFS–Primary expertise, demonstrate proven leadership in primary

Qualifications

• QTS with EYFS–Primary expertise.
• Up-to-date understanding of ITTECF and DfE ITT criteria.
• Leadership in primary education and mentor training.
• Excellent communication and digital proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Oversee primary ITT delivery, induction, and assessment moderation; act as Faculty Lead.
• Manage headteacher and partner school relationships; tailor mentor training.
• Lead recruitment, conduct Assessments Only evaluations, and support trainee retention.
• Drive cross-phase strategic projects on subject knowledge enhancement.

Skills

Programme leadership

Mentor development

Communication skills

Digital proficiency

Education

QTS (Qualified Teacher Status)

Job description

The Leigh Institute is seeking an experienced primary education leader to join Kent and Medway Training (KMT) as Course Programme Lead (Primary). You will oversee the operational delivery of our Primary Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programmes, lead subject faculties, build school partnerships, and mentor the next generation of teachers.

Key Responsibilities

• Programme & Subject Leadership: Oversee primary ITT delivery, induction, professional/subject studies, and assessment moderation. Act as Faculty Lead for designated subject areas.
• Partnership & Mentor Management: Manage headteacher and partner school relationships, and contextualise mentor training for the primary hub.
• Trainee Support & Recruitment: Lead recruitment, conduct Assessment Only evaluations, and implement support plans for associate teacher retention and inclusion.
• Strategic Projects: Lead cross-phase initiatives focused on subject knowledge enhancement materials and equivalency testing.

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with deep EYFS - Primary (ages 3–11) expertise.
• Up-to-date understanding of the ITTECF, DfE ITT criteria, adaptive teaching, and ITE Ofsted expectations.
• Leadership in primary education, staff/adult professional development, and mentor training.
• Excellent communication, strong digital proficiency, and high self-motivation.

This is a permanent, full-time role offering a salary of L12 - L16, based on experience. We may be able to offer 4 days per week for an exceptional candidate. The Interviews will take place on Thursday 15th October.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding, Equality & Diversity

Leigh Academies Trust and all of our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This role involves regulated activity relevant to children, and it is a criminal offence for anyone barred from engaging in regulated activity with children to apply for this position.

We adopt a fair, robust and consistent recruitment process across all academies and business units, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates, and you can read more about our approach on our Careers site. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references and, where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.

As a Trust, we are passionate about diversity and recognise that as individuals, we all bring something unique to the role, regardless of any protected characteristics, which is why we treat all of our people equally, without compromise. We are committed to providing equality and fairness throughout our recruitment and employment practices, and not discriminating on any grounds.