Director of School Improvement

Ruskin Mill Trust is a national educational charity supporting children and young people with autism and other learning difficulties. The Trust has twelve centres, four of these centres are schools, five are colleges and three are centres for further care, training and development. There are also two research centres, researching the method of the Trust, with two further centres planned. The Trust is recruiting to the newly created role of Director of School Improvement who will play a key role in the future success of the organisation, and its schools, building on current strengths and further improving the quality of education and with that the lives of the students so that they have the potential to shape their own future.

The schools and Children’s Home within the Trust are all currently rated good and good with elements of outstanding. This success has been built on the strength of the school teams, led by Principals and school leaders working collaboratively to reflect, support and improve practice across all schools. As Director of School Improvement, you will report directly to the co-CEO and work closely and innovatively with the school leaders and their teams to achieve excellence and ensure Ruskin Mill Trust continues to be a rewarding place to work. The schools are also growing and expanding, and this role will be key in ensuring that the vision and values of Ruskin Mill Trust are led, championed and embedded.

The work of the Trust is based around its method of Practical Skills Therapeutic Education (PSTE) with the schools offer exciting outdoor learning environments, utilising practical land and craft activities to support the development of work and life skills. The role will be based in Gloucestershire with travel required to the schools in North Yorkshire, Sheffield, Clent and Bristol. The Trust is committed to staff development and will support your career progression through in-depth training, from induction to a Masters in PSTE.

The Trust is looking for a confident, empowering and inspiring individual who is passionate about improving the lives of children, young people and families. They must have experience of leading schools/provisions through successful Ofsted inspections as Headteacher or Executive Principal. Previous experience with PSTE is not essential but you must support, embrace, articulate and work with the school and Trust’s objectives, vision, values, purpose and methodology. This is a rewarding and challenging role which will require you to be adept at thinking strategically, capable of building links with and engaging and influencing a range of stakeholders as well as demonstrating credibility. You will also be an excellent leader of people, able to build high performing teams with courage and self-enterprise with the core purpose of improving the education and lives of the students so that they have the potential to shape their own future.

For a confidential discussion about the role, to arrange a visit or to make an application, please contact Martin Blair at Hays Leadership Appointments. T: E: .  Please do not use any online “APPLY” options.

Further details can also be found at vacancies/ruskin-mill-trust

Closing date – 8am on Wednesday 18th September

Interviews – Friday 27th September

The Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check