Director Of Inclusion

Do you want to join a team that provides outstanding leadership, strategic direction and support to some of the best schools in the country?  Do you want to play your part in delivering outstanding learning and teaching to young people in disadvantaged communities? If so, joining the Star team might just be the best career move you ever make.

About Star Central

Star Central, which is based at our head office in Blackburn, Lancashire, provides leadership, strategic direction and support to Star Academies, Star Institute and our schools.

The Star Central team includes experts from a range of professional backgrounds, who work together to provide an outstanding support service to the Star community.  We support our schools to provide educational and operational excellence and to cultivate a strong Star community, with the aim of nurturing today’s young people and inspiring tomorrow’s leaders.

Who we’re looking for

Star Academies is one of the country’s highest performing and fastest growing multi academy trusts, currently operating over 34 primary and secondary schools nationally. We are a values-based organisation that works successfully to improve the life chances of young people in areas of social and economic deprivation to help them succeed at the highest levels of education, employment and the professions. Fundamental to this mission is ensuring that vulnerable children and those who require additional support achieve their full potential.

We are looking for an exceptional Principal/Headteacher or senior leader with the ability and authority to lead the Trust’s inclusion strategy and its centrally based inclusion services to support the progress of pupils in the Trust’s schools. Star’s inclusion services include those focused on attendance, behaviour, SEND, Safeguarding, Admissions, Exclusions and Mental Health.

You will have a strong track record of effective leadership and delivery in one or more of these areas at a senior level. The position requires an individual who can work both strategically and operationally, developing and integrating the Trust’s central inclusion services and facilitating the establishment of inclusive schools across the Trust. You will have a track record of successful school leadership with a clear understanding of how to support schools so that vulnerable pupils achieve the highest possible standards and wellbeing. You will also have the ability and expertise to lead a range of Inclusion services to optimum levels of performance.

You will have:

• Credibility as an experienced and successful Principal/Headteacher or senior leader with an outstanding track record of performance in inclusive practice;
• The ability to lead, manage, develop and inspire service leaders to secure sustained improvement, high standards and an integrated, child-centred approach;
• A comprehensive knowledge of all strategies which contribute to improved outcomes for vulnerable pupils;
• Well-developed analytical skills, with an extensive understanding of how to identify priorities and solutions which will improve service standards and pupil outcomes;
• Full commitment to our vision and values.

About Star Academies

Star Academies is a high-performing multi-academy trust that runs more than 30 primary and secondary schools. We are a values-based organisation that works to improve the life chances of young people in areas of social and economic deprivation to help them succeed at the highest levels of education, employment and the professions. Every single day you’ll be rewarded with the opportunity to shape a young person’s future - our STAR values embody what we believe is needed to succeed.

Professional development is key to our ongoing success, so we continually invest in our employees through our learning and development centre, Star Institute. With a wealth of training, mentoring and progression opportunities across a growing group of academies, joining our team of leading education experts could propel your career to the next level. 

We can also offer you a range of rewards and benefits, including competitive salaries and pension schemes, generous holiday entitlements and healthcare cash plans.

Find out more

Please download the job description and person specification below for further information about the role.  For an informal and confidential discussion about the role please contact Star Central by calling 0330 313 9800.

Application Process

To apply for this vacancy please visit our website via the button below.

You should ensure your application form and supporting statement address all elements of the person specification. We will only consider candidates who meet the vast majority of the essential criteria outlined in the person specification.

Our Commitment

Star Academies is committed to safeguarding, safer recruitment and promoting the welfare of pupils. Our comprehensive recruitment and selection processes aim to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. Successful candidates are subject to rigorous pre-employment checks.

We are equally committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity. We aim for our workforce to be representative of society and that each employee feels respected and able to give their best. We are committed to providing equality and fairness in our recruitment and employment practices and not to discriminate on any grounds. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.