About This Role
About the candidate
We are seeking an experienced and credible education leader who can work collaboratively with schools and leaders to support educational quality, curriculum development and academy improvement across the Trust. The successful candidate will have the strategic vision, professional knowledge and interpersonal skills to build strong partnerships with our schools and contribute to a culture of shared learning and continuous improvement.
You will have a strong understanding of effective teaching, learning and curriculum practice, alongside experience of supporting school leaders to identify priorities, develop improvement approaches and evaluate their impact. You will be confident using educational evidence and performance information to inform discussions, provide constructive challenge and support leaders to make well-informed decisions.
You will be a collaborative and approachable leader who values the expertise and experience within our schools. You will work alongside senior leaders Trust-wide, creating positive relationships built on trust, openness and mutual respect. You will recognise that each school has its own context and strengths, and will support leaders to develop solutions that are appropriate to their individual circumstances, whilst also identifying opportunities to share effective practice across the Trust.
As a senior leader, you will be able to work effectively with the CEO, Executive Team and Trust Board, providing professional advice and deputising for the CEO on educational matters where required. You will understand the importance of working within the Trust’s vision, values and Scheme of Delegation, while supporting a partnership approach that enables schools to contribute to and shape the Trust’s educational direction.
Above all, you will be passionate about education and committed to working with colleagues to create the best possible opportunities for our pupils. You will bring integrity, curiosity and a commitment to continuous learning, with the ability to build confidence, encourage collaboration and support collective improvement across the Trust.
If you would like to discuss the role, please contact Ross Laird by telephone on 07901 585959/01223 907979 or via email on rlaird@academicis.co.uk.
Why Work for Affinity?
At Affinity, we pride ourselves on being a great place to work, a workplace where everyone belongs, progresses, and thrives. We recognise that our colleagues are our greatest asset, and we are committed to ensuring they feel valued, supported, and empowered.
As a Trust, we are privileged to employ inspirational people who make a positive difference every day. In return, we continually strengthen our offer of a supportive, inclusive, and ambitious working environment, one that promotes mental and physical wellbeing, builds confidence, and fosters pride across our organisation.
Our People Strategy
Our People Strategy is built around three core pillars:
Belongs - Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We cultivate an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity, champions equality, and ensures all staff feel respected, valued, and genuinely part of our community.
Progresses - Staff Development and CPD
Our Professional Growth Model empowers colleagues to take ownership of their development. Our strong investment in CPD sets us apart and ensures every colleague has the opportunity to grow and succeed.
Thrives - Wellbeing
We know that mental and physical wellbeing are essential to feeling supported and performing well. That’s why we place strong emphasis on creating an environment where colleagues feel healthy, valued, and able to thrive.
What are the Benefits of Joining Affinity?
- Investment in your professional development and CPD through our Professional Growth Model
- Removal of performance-related pay
- A commitment to dignity and respect in the workplace
- Opportunities for collaborative working through leadership and staff networks
- A Trust-wide approach to reducing workload
- Wellbeing initiatives supported by our Wellbeing Champion Network
- One dedicated wellbeing day per academic year
In addition to these core benefits, we also provide an excellent wider package that includes:
- Employee Assistance Programme and mental health support services
- Access to Benenden Health's self-pay private healthcare service
- Discounted gym membership with Everyone Active
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Eye care vouchers
- Flu vaccination vouchers
- Generous pension schemes through Teachers Pensions and the Local Government Pension Scheme
Additional Information:
Please note that we do not hold a sponsorship licence and, therefore, are unable to employ individuals residing outside of the UK or candidates living within the UK who require continued sponsorship to work in the UK.
Please note: Completed applications should be received by 09:00am of the closing date. We do reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Please ensure to regularly check your junk/spam folder for any correspondence in relation to the progress of your application. Due to the volume of applications we receive, it is not policy to give individual feedback at this stage.
We welcome a broad range of perspectives with a commitment to equality of opportunity by recruiting a diverse workforce, and creating an inclusive environment and a culture of belonging for everyone in Affinity Learning Partnership. Therefore, we encourage applications from underrepresented communities irrespective of age, disability, race, religion and belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, marriage or civil partnership status, or neurodivergent status. We are happy to make reasonable adjustments wherever possible through the recruitment process should this be required.
The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and this position is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
All applicants must be able to provide documentation to prove their right to work in the UK.