School Improvement Leader

We Manage Jobs(WMJobs); Malvern; On-site; GBP 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An education-focused organization in Malvern seeks a School Improvement Leader to drive initiatives for excellence in education. This role involves significant responsibilities, including leading school improvement strategies and ensuring compliance with educational standards. The ideal candidate will have experience in educational leadership, strong advocacy for inclusion, and expertise in data analysis. Competitive salary and benefits are included.

Qualifications

• Experience in educational leadership and improvement.
• Strong understanding of the Ofsted Education Inspection Framework.
• Ability to provide targeted support for school improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead school improvement strategies across the Trust.
• Act as an advisor to school leaders and governors.
• Ensure compliance with education frameworks and standards.

Skills

Educational leadership

Inclusion advocacy

Data analysis

Professional development

Education

Qualified Teacher Status

Relevant management qualification

Job description

Job Overview

Job Title: School Improvement Leader

Salary Scale Point: L17.21

Hours Per Week: 32.5

Contract Type: Full time, permanent.

Job Purpose

The Mercian Educational Trust School Improvement Leader will play a pivotal role in raising the quality of education across our schools. Directly accountable to the Director of Learning, this role will lead school improvement strategies, support leadership development, and ensure alignment with MET’s vision, values, and strategic aims. The postholder will also ensure compliance with the latest Ofsted Education Inspection Framework (EIF), focusing on impact, inclusion, and sustainable improvement. This role may include periods of interim leadership within a school, taking on Headteacher or senior leadership responsibilities to secure rapid improvement when required.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive Mercian Educational Trust’s ambition for excellence in education, embedding our values of Prepare, Empower and Thrive
• Lead initiatives that align with MET’s strategic aims: raising achievement, promoting inclusion, and developing leadership capacity.
• Act as a trusted advisor to school leaders, governors, and the Director of Learning
• Develop and implement evidence-based strategies to improve teaching quality, curriculum coherence, and pupil outcomes.
• Provide targeted support for schools requiring urgent improvement, including acting as interim leader where necessary.
• Champion inclusion as a core principle, ensuring early identification of needs and effective adaptations for SEND, EAL, and disadvantaged pupils.
• Design and deliver high-quality professional learning for headteachers, senior leaders, and governors.
• Analyse performance data and provide clear, actionable insights to improve outcomes
• Build strong relationships with school communities, governors, and external partners

Alignment with Ofsted EIF

The role will ensure schools meet or exceed the Expected Standard and strive for Strong Standard or Exceptional grades by focusing on impact over intent, embedding inclusion as a dedicated priority, strengthening leadership and governance, and preparing schools for full inspections under the new framework. This post requires the ability to perform a role that involves infrequent contact with children

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020

Strategic Leadership

• Contribute significantly to MET’s strategic aims and priorities, working closely with the Director of Learning, school leaders, and governance teams.
• Keep abreast of national and local policy changes, ensuring MET remains agile and at the forefront of school improvement

School Improvement

• Develop and implement strategies and professional learning programs to strengthen leadership capacity and curriculum delivery.
• Provide bespoke support for schools causing concern, including acting as interim Headteacher or senior leader when required.
• Oversee robust monitoring, challenge, and intervention processes to secure rapid improvement.
• This role may involve assuming interim leadership roles for extended periods to stabilize and improve schools in challenging circumstances.

Governance and Accountability

• Work with governing bodies to enhance their capacity for effective oversight and strategic leadership.
• Produce regular reports on educational standards, progress against targets, and impact of interventions.
• During interim leadership placements, ensure governance continuity, maintain strategic oversight, and provide clear reporting to the Trust and governing bodies

Quality Assurance

• Direct and oversee forensic quality assurance of school improvement work.
• Analyse performance data and provide actionable insights to improve outcomes.

Professional Development

• Design and deliver high-quality training for school leaders, governors, and staff
• Support induction programs for new headteachers and leaders.

Innovation and Resource Development

• Curate and create resources to support school improvement.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration and external expertise

Inclusion and Safeguarding

• Champion inclusion and equality, ensuring early intervention and tailored support for SEND, EAL, and disadvantaged pupils.
• Ensure safeguarding practices meet statutory requirements and are clearly evidenced.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships with school communities, governors, and external partners.
• Promote MET’s reputation for excellence and innovation.

Please see the recruitment pack for more details.