Director of Learning EYFS

Star Academies; Bradford; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Star Academies is inviting applications for a middle leader at Barkerend Primary Leadership Academy in Bradford. The school joined Star Academies in 2018, has an outstanding Ofsted track record and a leadership specialism, and seeks to extend its high standards in curriculum and pupil outcomes.

You will lead a faculty, develop an exciting curriculum for diverse learners, coach colleagues, and contribute to a values-based, supportive network across Star’s academies through Star Talent Academy and

Qualifications

• Degree-level qualification and QTS required.
• Good understanding of statutory requirements at Key Stage 1 and 2.
• Ability to coach and motivate colleagues to achieve individual and collective targets.
• Experience of sustained delivery of outstanding attainment and achievement.
• Experience of innovation and creativity to engage, enthuse and progress learners.

Responsibilities

• Lead a successful faculty drawing on your teaching and leadership experience.
• Develop an exciting curriculum that suits every type of learner and raises attainment.
• Play a pivotal role in motivating and supporting staff to improve pupil outcomes.

Skills

Coaching & mentoring

Leadership experience

Curriculum planning

Raising pupil outcomes

Education

Degree-level qualification

Qualified Teacher Status

Job description

Do you have what it takes to nurture today’s young people and inspire tomorrow’s leaders? Do you have the drive, passion and commitment to lead and deliver outstanding learning and teaching to young people in a disadvantaged community? If so, becoming a Star leader might just be the best career move you ever make.

About Barkerend Primary Leadership Academy

Barkerend Primary Leadership Academy is a primary school, with a nursery, for 3 to 11 year olds in Bradford. We joined Star Academies in 2018 and, like all Star schools, we have a leadership specialism.

We were graded as 'Outstanding' in all areas by Ofsted during our first inspection in May 2019. At our last inspection in June 2025, the school was commended for upholding the same high standards of academic excellence, teaching, character development and behaviour that resulted in the school’s previous ‘Outstanding’ rating.

We have an exemplary reputation for excellence in every aspect of school life, with high ambitions and expectations for all our pupils. We provide a knowledge-based academic curriculum alongside a rich and diverse leadership programme that grows character and inspires charitable and social action. Our pursuit of educational excellence is based upon our fundamental belief that every pupil has the capacity to become a successful and inspirational leader.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for a with a proven track record of success in improving standards and raising pupil outcomes. We want to hear from talented middle leaders looking to extend their experience, and outstanding, ambitious teachers seeking their first middle leadership post.

As an experienced teacher, you will develop an exciting curriculum that suits every type of learner and have the resolve to make a real difference to the lives of our young people. The successful candidate will be a committed team player with excellent organisational and motivational skills.

You will be able to demonstrate the ability to lead a successful faculty drawing on your extensive teaching and leadership experience. As a Star middle leader, you’ll join the Star Academies family, a high-performing and supportive network of primary and secondary schools with some of the best leaders in education.

You will have:

• A degree-level qualification and Qualified Teacher Status
• A good understanding of statutory requirements at Key stage 1 and 2.
• The ability to coach and motivate colleagues to achieve individual and collective targets
• Experience of sustained delivery of outstanding attainment and achievement
• Experience of innovation and creativity to engage, enthuse and progress learners.

About Star Academies

Star Academies is a high-performing multi-academy trust that runs more than 30 primary and secondary schools. We are a values-based organisation that works to improve the life chances of young people in areas of social and economic deprivation to help them succeed at the highest levels of education, employment and the professions. Every single day you’ll be rewarded with the opportunity to shape a young person’s future - our STAR values embody what we believe is needed to succeed.

Professional development is key to our ongoing success, so we continually invest in our employees through our professional development hub, Star Talent Academy. With a wealth of training, mentoring and progression opportunities across a large, growing group of academies, joining our team of leading education experts could propel your career to the next level.

We can also offer you a range of rewards and benefits, including competitive salaries and pension schemes, generous holiday entitlements and healthcare cash plans.

Key Dates

Closing Date: Sunday, 18 October 2026 at midnight.

Interview Date: Friday, 23 October 2026.

Proposed Start Date: Friday, 01 January 2026

Our Commitment

Star Academies is committed to safeguarding, safer recruitment and promoting the welfare of pupils. Our comprehensive recruitment and selection processes aim to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. Successful candidates are subject to rigorous pre-employment checks.

We are equally committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity. We aim for our workforce to be representative of society and that each employee feels respected and able to give their best. We are committed to providing equality and fairness in our recruitment and employment practices and not to discriminate on any grounds. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.