Director of Secondary Education

Greenshaw Learning Trust; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 149,000 - 168,000; Full time

Job summary

Greenshaw Learning Trust is seeking a visionary Director of Secondary Education to lead across our secondary schools. Reporting to the Executive Director of Education, you will drive standards, coach Headteachers, and collaborate with cross-phase teams to raise achievement.

We offer a permanent, full-time role with a hybrid work model and regular travel across four GLT secondary hubs, with a start date of 1 January 2027; salary on Senior Executive Pay Scale £149,211 to £168,260.

Qualifications

• Proven executive or senior leadership in secondary schools (e.g. Executive Headteacher or Secondary Director).
• Evidence of driving sustained school improvement and strong KS4/post-16 outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead educational standards across all GLT Secondary schools.
• Line manage and develop Secondary Assistant Directors and Headteachers with a coaching approach.
• Partner with cross-phase improvement leads to deliver joint initiatives across Primary, Secondary and Special schools.
• Champion vulnerable children in all aspects of their educational experience.
• Ensure schools implement effective instructional coaching, disruption-free classroom management and Raising Standards programmes.

Skills

Executive leadership

Senior leadership

Line management & coaching

Cross-phase collaboration

Education

QTS

Relevant degree

Job description

Greenshaw Learning Trust is at an exciting point in its development, and we are looking for a visionary Director of Secondary Education. Deliberate collaboration defines our Trust, and our strategic ambitions are demanding. We strive to ensure all children make exceptional progress through great teaching. This is a significant opportunity to influence educational outcomes across a large and ambitious Trust and shape our next stage of development.

The Role

Reporting to the Executive Director of Education, you will act as the Trust’s phase lead for our secondary schools. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Providing clear leadership and driving educational standards across all GLT Secondary schools.
• Line managing and developing Secondary Assistant Directors and Headteachers, using a coaching approach to build capacity.
• Partnering actively with cross-phase improvement leads to break down silos and deliver joint initiatives across Primary, Secondary, and Special schools.
• Championing vulnerable children in all aspects of their educational experience.
• Ensuring schools implement effective instructional coaching, disruption-free classroom management, and robust Raising Standards programmes.

About You

We are looking for an exceptional educational leader who brings deep secondary expertise alongside a genuine curiosity about what we can learn across different phases. You will bring:

• A proven track record of successful executive or senior leadership across secondary schools (e.g., as an Executive Headteacher or Secondary Director).
• Evidence of driving sustained school improvement and achieving strong KS4 and post-16 outcomes.
• Substantial experience in line managing, coaching, and developing Headteachers and senior leaders.
• The ability to combine clear accountability with high support and high challenge.Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a relevant degree.

What We Offer

• Salary: Senior Executive Pay Scale points 21 - 27, £149,211 to £168,260
• Location: Hybrid/home or location at one of our hubs, with regular travel required across the four GLT secondary hubs (Sutton and South London, Berkshire, Bristol/Gloucester, and Plymouth).
• Contract: Permanent, full-time.
• Start Date: 1 January 2027 (Spring Term), though we are happy to discuss a later start date based on notice periods.