Job Description
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Director of Learning & Innovation
Competitive salary, negotiable dependent on experience
"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 role in the wider educational landscape.
· Be an active participant in our RISE support offer, working alongside other system leaders to share expertise and drive improvement both within and beyond the Trust.
This role will involve regular ongoing development work with each school within the Trust. While the postholder will have a base in Zenith's central office at The King John School, a hybrid working pattern can be discussed at interview. The Director of Learning & Innovation will report directly to the CEO, who will oversee strategic direction and deployment to deliver cross-cutting priorities. School-based foci and priorities will be determined in discussion with our Headteachers and CEO.
All students in our care deserve the very best from our schools, and the successful candidate will share a deep commitment to Zenith's mission, aims, and values, which should be clearly demonstrated at both the application and interview stages.
Our Trust is committed to ensuring that the successful candidate has the resources, professional development, and support needed to drive strategy and lead change, enabling the provision of a truly high-quality education and experience for every child.
Zenith Multi Academy Trust offers a wide range of additional staff benefits, including Benenden Health membership, VIVUP employee discount scheme, access to on-site counsellors, and ongoing wellbeing initiatives to ensure our staff can achieve the very best outcomes for their students. This is a unique and rewarding career opportunity for a leader, who wants to make a genuine difference to pupils' life chances and the wonderful communities we serve.
If you would like an informal discussion with the Chief Executive Officer prior to applying, please contact Leigh Christensen on leighch@zmat.co.uk.
Closing Date: Midnight, Sunday 18th January 2026
Interview Date: Thursday 22nd January 2026
Start Date: Negotiable
Information about the School
We are a small, locally-based Trust in South East Essex, currently comprising one primary school, three secondary schools, and one special school: Laindon Park Primary School and Nursery, The James Hornsby School in Basildon, Castle View School in Canvey Island, The King John School in Benfleet, and Castledon School in Wickford.
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, and supported by our Trust values of dignity, collaboration, positivity, and aspiration.
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 a range of excellent staff benefits, including free healthcare through Benenden Healthcare scheme.
At Zenith Multi Academy Trust, all staff are encouraged to develop their knowledge, skills, understanding, and attributes to enhance their professional work, regardless of experience. We work towards ‘a culture of excellence’, where all staff have the opportunity to continue to improve and sharpen their knowledge and practice.