Salary: £100,540 to £110,892 per annum
Grade: Leadership Group L28 to L32
Contract Type: Permanent
Vacancy Hours: 1 FTE
Location: Stockton on Tees, Cleveland

Start Date: September 2026

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and inspirational Primary Senior Leader who is seeking a new challenge and wishes to join a dynamic and supportive multi-academy trust.

We are seeking an outstanding Director of Primary Education to lead and inspire our group of 11 primary schools. This is a pivotal role within our Trust, offering a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of thousands of children.

As Director of Primary Education, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership and drive improvement across all primary schools within the Trust.
• Work as part of a dynamic team of Directors of Education, contributing to Trust-wide priorities.
• Lead one of our key cross-phase themes, ensuring consistency and excellence across all schools.
• Champion high standards of teaching, learning, and pupil outcomes.

We are looking for:

• An experienced and inspirational leader with a proven track record of success in primary education.
• Someone who can combine strategic vision with operational excellence.
• A collaborative leader who thrives on working with others to achieve outstanding outcomes for children.

About Us

Spark Education Trust is a newly merged Trust which currently consists of 11 Primary Schools and 4 Secondary Schools. Spark Education Trust can offer you a professional challenge and a rewarding opportunity, working with collaborative schools that are passionate about the progress and development of every student.

What we have:

• A positive and caring ethos and working atmosphere.
• Friendly children, eager to learn and achieve.
• An aspirational curriculum for all students.
• A committed, enthusiastic and supportive staff team.
• Excellent support from our Trust Board, the staff and parents/carers.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development.

If you wish to arrange a phone call to discuss the role further, please contact the HR Team on the below email address.

How to Apply

Application forms and further details are available on the Trust’s website: https://sparkeducationtrust.org.uk

Please make sure your application form and a covering letter detailing how your experience to date supports your suitability for the role (maximum two sides of A4, font size 11) are completed and returned via email to vacancies@sparkeducation.org.uk  addressed to Louise Spellman, Chief Executive Officer.

Applications submitted on anything other than the official application form and applications from agencies will not be accepted

Please note that feedback will only be given to shortlisted candidates, if you do not receive an invitation to interview within 30 days of the advert’s closing date assume that you have been unsuccessful in your application for this post.

Safeguarding Notice

The Spark Education Trust is committed to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. The post you are applying for is exempt from the rehabilitation of offenders’ act 1974. We will also carry out an online search on shortlisted candidates to help identify any incidents or issues that are publicly available online.

Key Documents

Candidate Pack.pdf

Key Dates

Closing Date: Monday 2 February at 12 noon

Interview Date: Thursday 12 February and Friday 13 February 2026 (two-day process)

North Yorkshire Council (NYC) advertise vacancies on behalf of schools and external organisations (third parties) in North Yorkshire. NYC are not responsible for the recruitment/employment practices of third parties and accept no liability in relation to the vacancy and any subsequent recruitment/employment processes. Enquiries regarding the vacancy or practices should be made directly with the third party.