Director of Learning and Innovation

Position

Start Date:

Immediate Contract Type:
Full-time Contract Term:
Permanent

Application Close: 18/01/2026 Midnight Date of Interviews: 22nd January 2026

"There is divine beauty in learning" Elie Wiesel

A unique opportunity has arisen for an exceptional and inspirational leader to join us as Director of Learning & Innovation, leading professional learning and school improvement across our Trust.

This is not a typical "Director of Education" role! Rather, we are looking for an experienced leader to drive cutting‑edge research in the classroom, transform practice, and implement change in a genuinely sustainable way. Unusually, the role will require the successful candidate to stay actively engaged in research or national education programmes. This is to ensure they stay at the forefront of latest best practice, and continue to help shape what this looks like at a national level.

Along with an excellent track record of innovation in teaching & learning and outstanding impact, the successful candidate will have the skills, experience, and potential to contribute significantly to our dynamic and ambitious Trust. The ideal candidate will have genuine credibility within the education sector, ideally having worked at regional or national level, with in‑depth knowledge of the wider research base.

They will be deeply committed to our Trust's values, and demonstrate the expertise required to implement impactful and sustainable change. They will have the freedom to help shape our educational vision, inspiring others with constructive challenge, and working alongside our well‑established and highly‑respected Central Team.

We are a medium‑sized, local Trust in South Essex, currently comprising three secondary schools, one primary school, and one special school:
Castle View School in Canvey Island, Castledon School in Wickford (with a Sixth Form), Laindon Park Primary School and Nursery in Basildon, The James Hornsby School in Basildon, and The King John School (with a Sixth Form) in Benfleet. Additionally, we will be opening Wolsey Park Special School, Rayleigh, in April 2027, and a further satellite provision of Castledon School in September 2026.

Whilst the majority of our pupils are educated within mainstream secondary schools, experience or understanding of primary and special phases would be advantageous. Our schools all have highly committed Headteachers, all have their own distinct personalities, and we serve diverse communities. A "one size fits all" approach is not how we operate; therefore, the successful candidate will understand the need for a bespoke, context‑driven approach to supporting school improvement.

At a Trust level, the Director of Learning & Innovation will work collaboratively across all Zenith schools, leading and coordinating our strategic approach to professional learning and school improvement, firmly rooted in the evidence base. They will drive improvements in Teaching and Learning across the Trust, and have direct line management of the Teaching & Learning Community of Practice. They will also directly line manage our Trust English and Mathematics Lead Practitioners.

A key focus will be developing and embedding a coherent thread of professional learning, delivering high‑quality, evidence‑informed training, and ensuring that theory is effectively implemented and translated into classroom practice.

The successful candidate will:

• Be supported and encouraged to continue their own engagement at national level, maintaining active involvement in leading‑edge professional networks and research‑led practice.
• Engage with other national best practice networks and initiatives, ensuring Zenith remains aligned with emerging evidence, policy, and innovation in education, and maintaining an outward‑facing, research‑informed perspective that benefits all our schools.
• Act as a representative of the Trust within local, regional, and national education networks, strengthening partnerships which enhance our collective capacity and reputation.
• Build strong, positive relationships with external partners, the DfE, local authorities, and peer trusts to ensure Zenith plays an influential and collaborative…