Job Description
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Trust Lead Practitioner of English
Required: January 2025
Leadership Pay Range 8-15
£56,356 - £66,954 per annum (pay award pending)
Starting pay point negotiable dependent on experience
'The limits of my language mean the limits of my world' Wittgenstein
A unique opportunity has arisen for an exceptional and inspirational leader to work as a Trust Lead Practitioner of English, supporting Zenith's school improvement team as we grow.
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, 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.
We are seeking applications from candidates with a genuine passion for English, and the drive and flair to instill a life-long love of the subject in all students, championing the unique value of English in the school curriculum.
Along with an excellent track record of curriculum innovation and outstanding academic results, the successful candidate will have the right skills, experience, and potential to add to our dynamic Multi Academy Trust. Zenith Trust has formed an innovative partnership with the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF), and this means it is a very exciting time to join us. Initially, this post will predominantly be based within The James Hornsby School (rated Good by Ofsted in all areas) for 4 days, where responsibilities will include working closely with the Head of Department and Senior Leaders to ensure outstanding progress for students across Key Stage 3 and 4. The role will include working with, and supporting the wider English department, delivering coaching and training as required, and developing resources/formulating strategy.
At a Trust level, the role will involve working across all our 5 schools (1 day), liaising with department leads to improve standards of achievement, and ensure teaching is of the highest quality across all Key Stages. There will be a particular focus on delivering CPD, developing resources/approaches to improving standards, and supporting the work of our English cross-Trust community of practice. This work will involve visits to other schools, but you will be based in Zenith's central office at The King John School. You will report directly to the CEO, and this role will offer significant development opportunities for the successful candidate, with ongoing support for CPD such as a Master's qualification.
All the students in our care deserve the very best from our schools, and the successful candidate will share our deep commitment to the Trust's Mission, Aims, and Values, which should be clearly reflected at both the application and interview stages. The Trust will ensure the successful candidate has the very best resources and support to drive strategy and lead change, thus providing a truly quality education for all. Zenith Multi Academy Trust provides a wide range of additional staff benefits, including Benenden Health membership, VIVUP employee discount scheme, access to on-site staff counsellors, and ongoing wellbeing initiatives, ensuring our staff are able to achieve the very best outcomes for their students; as such this is a wonderful career opportunity.
If you would like an informal discussion with the Chief Executive Officer prior to applying, please contact Leigh Christensen on leighch@zmat.co.uk.
Please refer to www.zenithmultiacademytrust.co.uk for further information and to download an application pack.
Completed applications should be submitted via email to recruitment@zmat.co.uk before the closing date.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if there is a good level of response. Therefore, we would recommend that you submit your application as early as possible.
Closing date for applications: Midday, Friday 11th October
Interview date: Wednesday 23rd October
CVs alone, or CVs submitted via agencies will not be accepted. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
Zenith Multi Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding the welfare of young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post will be subject to full employment checks, including an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Information about the School
We are a South East Essex Multi Academy Trust, currently comprising three secondary schools and one primary school: The King John School in Benfleet, The James Hornsby School in Basildon, Castle View School in Canvey Island and Laindon Park Primary School and Nursery in Basildon.
The Trust’s core aim is to ensure that we enhance the life chances of all the young people within the Trust to enable them to fulfil their potential and achieve the best possible outcomes. This is at the heart of everything we do.
There are currently four schools in the Trust family:- The King John School, The James Hornsby School, Castle View School and Laindon Park Primary School and Nursery.
As a Trust our school’s progress 8 measures places us in the top 25% of the country. Our schools offer a high quality educational experience through a broad curriculum in a caring and friendly environment.
The Trust has good staff retention and is wholly committed to continued professional development. The Trust offers free healthcare through Benenden Healthcare scheme which all employees are entitled to join.
We offer excellent opportunities for our employees to develop their career within the Trust driven by our shared vision and commitments to pupils, staff and their wider community.