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

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.

About the role

As Executive Director of Education, you will be expected to:

• Provide strategic oversight of education quality across all schools within the Trust.
• Work closely with the CEO and executive team to shape and deliver the Trust’s education strategy.
• Ensure high-quality teaching, strong pupil outcomes and inclusive learning environments across all schools.
• Lead on people and performance, offering guidance, challenge and support to headteachers and senior leaders.
• Embed robust monitoring, evaluation and school improvement frameworks across the Trust.
• Oversee quality assurance, safeguarding and regulatory compliance, meeting expectations from Ofsted and the Department for Education.
• Contribute to wider executive leadership, collaborating across finance, operations, estates and workforce functions.
• Support effective workforce and financial planning within schools, ensuring compliance with the Academy Trust Handbook.
• Provide clear reporting and strategic insight to the Board of Trustees to support informed decision making.
• Represent the Trust externally, building relationships with local authorities and regional partners.
• Contribute to due diligence and growth strategy, supporting Trust expansion.
• Demonstrate visible leadership, building strong relationships with school leaders to drive continuous improvement and long-term success.

Who we are looking for

The successful candidate will need to demonstrate:

• Senior leadership experience in education, with a strong commitment to achieving the best outcomes for children and young people.
• A proven track record of leading educational improvement across multiple schools.
• Strong strategic leadership capability, with the ability to translate vision into effective systems and practical delivery.
• Experience in supporting and challenging school leaders, using data and evidence to drive improvement and accountability.
• Confidence working with governance structures, contributing to Board-level discussions and reporting to Trustees.
• A clear commitment to inclusion and equity, with experience supporting diverse learners across mainstream and specialist settings.
• A collaborative and visible leadership style, valuing partnership and teamwork.
• The ability to build strong relationships with colleagues, schools and external partners.
• Clear, professional communication skills, underpinned by integrity and credibility.
• A strong alignment with the Trust’s values and a belief in delivering outstanding education for every child.

Please click 'Apply on website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the job description and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Thursday 9th April.