Director of Business, ICT and Careers

Barton Court Academy Trust (BCAT) is a multi academy Trust established in 2017.

It currently consists of three secondary schools: Barton Court Grammar School, an year, mixed selective school in the heart of Canterbury, rated "Good" by Ofsted in February 2020 and November 2024; The Charles Dickens School, an year mixed non selective school in Broadstairs, rated "Good" by Ofsted in March 2023; and Barton Manor Free School, an 11-18 year non selective mixed school in the heart of Canterbury which opened to Year 7 in September 2022 and will have students in Years 7 11 from September 2026, rated as "Good" by Ofsted in May 2025.

Our School

The Charles Dickens School is an Ofsted rated "Good" school (March 2023). We are a non selective , highly popular, oversubscribed school located in Broadstairs, Kent. We have a vision and a determination to provide our community with an excellent school and we are making great strides towards this. Our results in 2022 identified us as the most improved school in Kent (out of 101 secondary schools) and one of the most improved schools in the country, and our results in 2023, 2024 and 2025 are strong and have continued to improve. Schools Week identified us as the 8th most improved school in the country between 2019 and 2023, for a school with an above average proportion of Pupil Premium pupils. Our Progress 8 score in 2024 was +0.22. We are heavily oversubscribed and have an excellent reputation for our culture of high expectation. Our Ofsted Inspection in March 2023 graded the School "Good" in every category.

To work here is to embrace the challenges of an economically diverse community and understand the influence education has in addressing social immobility. There are few schools in the country where a teacher's ability to change lives is so evident. Without hyperbole, this is a career defining mission. We're looking for brilliant people to join us on our journey.

The School has excellent facilities. All rooms are equipped with state of the art electronic interactive whiteboards. There are excellent specialist facilities for sport, hospitality, engineering, dance, drama, music and art. We have a Specialist Resource Provision for visually impaired children. We offer and value a broad curriculum aimed at promoting talent beyond traditional academic subjects. Our significant investment in professional development drives colleagues' continuous improvement. This is a place where everyone improves regardless of their career stage.

The Post

Director of Business, ICT and Careers - Starting September 2026

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic development and delivery of the business, ICT and careers agenda for the school.
• Work with senior leadership to create a productive learning environment and improve student outcomes.
• Demonstrate the School's vision and values in everyday work and practice.
• Promote social mobility for all students.
• Manage the business and ICT systems, ensuring efficient and secure operation.
• Provide whole school careers leadership, aligning curricula with future pathways.

Qualifications

• Experience of working with senior teams to create a productive learning environment.
• Strong leadership skills and a proven track record in business, ICT and/or careers leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and influence at a whole school level.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to high expectations and student success.

Deadline: Friday 8 May 2026 at 9:00 am - Early applications are encouraged and the vacancy may be filled before the deadline.

The Charles Dickens School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure application via the Disclosure & Barring Service and a check against the ISA Barred List for Children.

Barton Court Academy Trust embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.

Director of Business & ICT and Whole School Careers Lead