Director of Inclusion and Education - Full-time

Woodlands; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational trust in Maidstone is seeking a Director of Inclusion and Education to lead inclusion strategies and educational practices across its schools. The candidate should have significant senior leadership experience, deep understanding of SEND, and a commitment to fostering inclusive environments. This role requires collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure high standards of education and support for all students. Strong interpersonal skills and a values-driven approach are essential.

Qualifications

• Significant senior leadership experience as a Headteacher, Executive Leader or at Trust level.
• Deep, practical expertise in SEND and inclusive practice.
• Ability to champion inclusion while maintaining high expectations.

Responsibilities

• Lead Trust-wide approach to inclusion for all learners.
• Shape curriculum, teaching and learning to be inclusive.
• Drive school improvement and quality assurance focused on impact.
• Coach Headteachers and leaders to nurture strong schools.
• Ask guiding questions to align with Trust's values.

Skills

Senior leadership experience

Expertise in SEND and inclusive practice

Strong relationships building

Understanding of teaching, curriculum and assessment

Coaching and supporting others

Job description

At Coppice Primary Partnership, we believe thatevery child is capable of producing exceptional outcomes– and that the way we work together matters just as much as what we achieve.

We are a small, values-led primary Trust rooted in our local communities. Each of our schools is proudly individual, but we are united by a shared mission whereevery child grows culturally and academically through excellence in education, as we empower unique schools to thrive together in partnership. We know thatGreat schools change lives.

Our “crazy goal” (our vision) is bold:to become net-positive for the world – giving back more energy, knowledge and service than we use. Day to day, we ask a simple question of every choice we make:“Will it give back more than it takes?”

We are now looking for aDirector of Inclusion and Education– a key senior leadership role that puts inclusion at the heart of our education strategy where it can play a central part in shaping the future of our Trust.

The role itself

You’ll work closely with the CEO, Headteachers and Trustees to make sure that what we believe in as a Trust is lived out in classrooms, systems and everyday practice – especially for children who need us most.

In practice, that means you will:

• Lead our Trust-wide approach toinclusion, making sure every child has the support they need to thrive.

• Shape and strengthencurriculum, teaching and learningso that it is ambitious, inclusive and genuinely works for all learners.

• Drive a clear, proportionate approach toschool improvement and quality assurance, focused on improving, nor proving.

• Coach, support and challenge Headteachers and leaders, helping them grow strong schools while staying true to their individual identity.

• Help us keep asking the right questions as a Trust – including our guiding principle: “Will this give back more than it takes?”

This is a role for someone who combinesmoral purpose with professional confidence– able to champion inclusion, while also holding high expectations for standards and impact.

Who we’re looking for

We are a people-led organisation and this is important to us. We are looking for someone who:

• Has significant senior leadership experience (as a Headteacher, Executive Leader or at Trust level).

• Brings deep, practical expertise in SEND and inclusive practice.

• Understands great teaching, curriculum and assessment, and how these connect to inclusion.

• Can build strong, trusting relationships, while also providing clear challenge when it’s needed.

• Believes in developing people and systems for the long term, not quick fixes.

• Aligns with Coppice’s values and leadership behaviours: accountable, authentic, courageous, inclusive and future-focused.

Experience of working across more than one school or within a MAT is helpful, but what matters most is fit, values and credibility. A visit to one of the schools to see what we are about and meet the CEO is recommended.