Executive Director of Education The Education Village Academy Trust

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Executive Director of Education The Education Village Academy Trust Join Education Village Academy Trust and help to shape the quality of education across a Trust delivering outstanding provision across mainstream and SEND settings, raising ambition, inclusion and excellence for learners across Darlington

• Location: Darlington
• Closing date: 9 a.m. Thursday 9th April

We are proud of our Trust. Our schools serve a diverse community, delivering high-quality education from early years to post-16, including specialist SEND provision.

We believe in excellence, ambition, inclusion, ethical leadership and teamwork. When you join us, you will be part of a culture that values collaboration, supports professional development and ensures every child has the opportunity to succeed.

As our Executive Director of Education, you will play a central role in shaping the educational strategy and performance of the Trust. Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer and executive colleagues, you will ensure every EVAT school delivers exceptional teaching, learning and outcomes for children and young people.

You will lead Trust-wide school improvement, strengthen curriculum quality and inclusion across mainstream and specialist settings, and ensure robust systems are in place to monitor performance, identify risk and drive continuous improvement.

If you are a leader who thrives on challenge, can inspire and support school leaders and want to make a tangible difference to the lives of children and young people, this is an opportunity to help shape the future of education across Darlington.

Who we are At Education Village Academy Trust (EVAT), learning has no limits. Our mission is to deliver exceptional learning experiences that stretch aspirations and inspire everyone - pupils, staff and our wider community - to achieve their potential.

Our ethos centres on putting children and young people first. We nurture every learner in an environment where they are respected, challenged and inspired. Across our academies, we foster collaboration and teamwork, sharing expertise, resources and best practice to improve teaching, learning and pastoral care.

High expectations, ambition and ethical leadership guide our decisions and we actively create inclusive settings where every pupil can thrive, regardless of background or ability.

EVAT currently comprises seven schools, delivering education across mainstream primary and secondary phases alongside specialist SEND provision, with plans to grow in line with our strategic ambitions.

Our Trust operates within a complex organisational context, with an annual turnover of approximately £32 million and a diverse estates portfolio including PFI, leased and Trust-owned properties. Our schools serve a diverse community in Darlington and our staff work collaboratively across the Trust to share expertise and strengthen practice.

About the role The Executive Director of Education is the most senior educational leader within the Trust, responsible for the strategic oversight and quality of education across all EVAT schools.

Working closely with our new CEO and executive team, you will shape and implement the Trust's education strategy, ensuring that every school delivers high-quality teaching, strong pupil outcomes and inclusive learning environments.

Leadership of people and performance will sit at the heart of your role. You will provide professional guidance, challenge and support to headteachers and senior leaders, ensuring that strong systems for monitoring, evaluation and improvement are embedded across the Trust.

You will oversee frameworks for school improvement, quality assurance, safeguarding and regulatory compliance, ensuring EVAT meets all expectations from Ofsted, the Department for Education and other regulatory bodies.

As a member of the executive team, you will also contribute to the wider strategic leadership of the Trust, working collaboratively with colleagues responsible for finance, operations, estates and workforce development to ensure the organisation operates efficiently and sustainably.

You will ensure that school leaders are supported to undertake effective workforce and financial planning, enabling the Trust to remain compliant with the Academy Trust Handbook while maintaining strong educational outcomes.

You will provide clear reporting and insight to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that leaders and governors have the information required to make informed decisions and fulfil their governance responsibilities.

The role will also involve representing EVAT externally, building relationships with local authorities, regional partners and wider system organisations, while contributing to due diligence processes as part of the Trust's growth strategy.

Through visible leadership and strong professional relationships with school leaders, you will help ensure EVAT continues to deliver excellent education while supporting the Trust's long term development.

Who we are looking for We are seeking a senior education leader who shares the Trust's values and commitment to delivering the best possible outcomes for children and young people.

You will bring significant experience in leading educational improvement across multiple schools, with a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the education sector.

You will be an experienced strategic leader who can translate vision into practical action, establishing effective systems and processes that enable schools to deliver consistent, high-quality education.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong track record of supporting and challenging school leaders, using evidence and data to drive improvement and ensure accountability for outcomes.

You will be confident working with governance structures, contributing to board-level discussions and providing clear, accurate reporting to Trustees.

You will also bring a strong commitment to inclusion and equity, with an understanding of how to deliver excellent provision for pupils with diverse needs across both mainstream and specialist settings.

Personally, you will be a collaborative and visible leader who values partnership and teamwork. You will build strong relationships with colleagues, schools and external partners and communicate with clarity and integrity.

Above all, you will share our belief that every child deserves an outstanding education and you will be motivated to ensure EVAT continues to provide high-quality opportunities for all pupils.

Peridot Partners and Education Village Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.

To view the job description and person specification, please go to the 'How to Apply' tab above, fill in your details and download the job pack. For further information or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultants at Peridot Partners:

If you would like to know more about this role please contact Eddie Caviezel Cox

Welcome from the Chair and CEO Designate Thank you for your interest in the position of Executive Director of Education. As the Chair of Trustees, I am delighted to be able to tell you a little about the Education Village Academy Trust (EVAT) and I hope this information inspires you to apply.

Established in 2006, EVAT has grown into a multi-academy trust made up of seven academies and schools in the borough of Darlington. At EVAT, our vision is to be a place where learning has no limits.

Our mission is to deliver exceptional learning opportunities to all of our children and young people.

We stretch aspirations and aim to inspire everyone who learns and works with us to reach high and achieve their potential.

This is a newly created role for EVAT and as a member of the Trust executive team, you will work closely with the CEO and other executive team colleagues to support the sustainable growth and continuous improvement of the Trust, delivering strong organisational performance across education and business operations.

You will have the opportunity to help shape and realise the vision of the Trust as we embark on future phases of development, evolution and change.

If this sounds like the challenge you are looking for and you feel that you have the right qualities, experience and vision to be part of this journey, we would welcome your application.

Ed James
Chair of Trustees, EVAT

Thank you for your interest in the new permanent role of Executive Director of Education for the Education Village Academy Trust (EVAT).

EVAT has recently appointed me as the Trust's next CEO. I will take up the role from 1st September 2026 and the new Executive Director of Education will work closely with me to shape the next chapter of the Trust's journey.

We are driven by a single but powerful purpose: to ensure that every child and young person in our care receives an exceptional education that meets their needs, nurtures their potential and prepares them for a bright future. Your interest in this role signals a shared commitment to that mission and I am delighted you are considering becoming part of our leadership team.

As our most senior educational leader . click apply for full job details