Leader, Education ​/ Teaching, Education Administration

“Best Start in Life” is a government programme focused on ensuring that every child has the strongest foundations for learning, health, and development from pregnancy through the early years. It recognises that the early years are critical for building future life chances.

The Education Improvement Service are seeking a Best Start in Life Leader to join our dynamic and reputable team. This role is essential in helping us achieve our ambitious vision for the programme.

The successful candidate will lead the development, delivery, and continuous improvement of the Best Start in Life programme in Bexley, ensuring it is informed by data, evidence, lived experience, and national policy.

Please refer to the

Job Description for more information.

Location:

Bexley Civic Offices.

We are seeking a qualified teacher with a minimum of three years' senior leadership experience in a school or trust, who has had substantial responsibility for overseeing the quality of education, demonstrates exceptional leadership skills, and values the importance of team collaboration. The ideal candidate will have:

• Extensive knowledge and experience in school improvement.
• Strong strategic leadership skills.
• A passion for Early Years with a thorough understanding of the Early Years Framework.
• Experience in working with partner organisations.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills.

For the full list of essential and desirable criteria for this role then please refer to the Person Specification within the Job Description.

Please upload your personal statement under the Relevant Experience and Skills section and ensure this fully aligns to the role criteria. This should not be more than two sides of A4.

Appointment to this post will be subject to the outcome of an Enhanced Disclosure obtained through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Interviews are scheduled to be held on 2nd April 2026.

Bexley is a vibrant and diverse outer London Borough nestled in the Thames Gateway between London and Kent which means it combines the perfect blend of city vibe and the tranquillity of Kent. It has award-winning parks, open spaces, and heritage sites. The borough has excellent transport connections, including the Elizabeth Line and proximity to the M25. Bexley offers fantastic amenities such as libraries, leisure centres, and shopping areas.

Our borough is also home to numerous primary and secondary schools, as well as further education institutions.

We will offer you in return a package that includes a competitive salary, coaching and mentoring programmes, an excellent pension scheme and generous annual leave plus bank holidays. For more information on the benefits package on offer please refer to the Candidate Information document.

As a disability confident employer Bexley welcomes applications from people with all disabilities, including hidden disabilities and mental health conditions. We will interview any disabled applicant who meets the minimum criteria. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made to any part of the recruitment process due to your disability, please contact us on

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.