Regional Director

Schoolsweek; Sutton; On-site; GBP 70,000 - GBP 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational trust in Sutton seeks a visionary Regional Director to lead and inspire multiple schools. This role requires substantial senior leadership experience, qualified teacher status, and notable success in school improvement. The successful candidate will empower headteachers, ensure high educational standards, and uphold safeguarding policies. The trust offers a supportive community with numerous growth opportunities, a focus on well-being, and a strong commitment to equality and diversity. Applications close on 23 February 2026.

Benefits

Career progression pathways

Comprehensive health & wellbeing package

Secure pension schemes

Bespoke CPD opportunities

Smart work-life balance initiatives

Qualifications

• Substantial senior leadership experience as a Headteacher or Principal.
• Proven impact in school improvement across multiple settings.
• Deep knowledge of Ofsted procedures and statutory safeguarding requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead a rotating cluster of usually 8-10 schools.
• Empower headteachers and principals to drive improvement.
• Maintain high standards of teaching and learning.

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Effective communication

Knowledge of primary pedagogy

Ability to handle difficult conversations

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

NPQH, NPQEL or equivalent

Undergraduate degree

Job description

Regional Director: Lead, Inspire, and Transform

Start Date: 01 September 2026

Are you an ambitious senior leader ready to shape the future of primary education across Sutton and Surrey? LEO Academy Trust is looking for visionary Regional Directors to join our Leadership Team and build upon a decade of excellence.

The Opportunity

As a Regional Director, you will be a vital member of our community, accountable to the Executive Director of Education for leading a rotating cluster of usually 8-10 schools. Your mission is to empower our headteachers and principals to drive improvement, maintain high standards of teaching and learning, and ultimately secure exceptional outcomes for over 7,000 pupils.

What You Will Bring

We are looking for a highly credible system leader who understands that school improvement is a collaborative process. You should demonstrate:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and an undergraduate degree.
• NPQH, NPQEL, or other equivalent leadership qualifications.
• Successful and substantial senior leadership experience as a Headteacher or Principal.
• Proven impact in school improvement across multiple settings, achieving outcomes above national averages.
• Deep knowledge of primary pedagogy, Ofsted procedures, and statutory safeguarding requirements.
• The courage to have difficult conversations whilst maintaining respect, inclusivity, and a sense of fun.

Why Choose LEO Academy Trust?

At LEO Academy Trust, we believe our greatest asset is our people. We offer a supportive community where you are valued and empowered through:

• Home-Grown Talent: We invest in your potential with clear pathways for career progression.
• Our "TEAM" Ethos: A culture built on Togetherness, Expectation, Achievement, and Moving forwards.
• Bespoke CPD: Recognised training through carefully chosen partners and in-house offers.
• Inclusive Culture: A deeply rooted commitment to diversity and a welcoming workplace.
• Smart Work-Life Balance: Industry-leading PedTech and Google tools designed to slash admin workloads.
• Secure Pension: Generous employer-contributory schemes through the TPS.
• Comprehensive health & wellbeing package available for all employees

The Small Print (Statutory Information)

LEO Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All offers of employment are subject to:

• Obtaining an Enhanced DBS certificate.
• Confirmation of identity and the Right to Work in the UK.
• Overseas checks where applicable.
• Verification of professional qualifications.
• Satisfactory references with all gaps in employment explained.
• Online searches (including social media) as part of our due diligence process for all shortlisted candidates.

Equality & Diversity

LEO Academy Trust is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a supportive and inclusive working environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills. Applications are invited from all members of the community. We do not discriminate against staff on the basis of age; race; sex; disability; sexual orientation; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; religion, faith or belief (Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics).

Safeguarding & Equal Opportunities

LEO Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Please read about our commitment to safeguarding as well as other important information in the Applicant guide on our website.

Other Information

All candidates should detail how you meet the aspects of the person specification for the role. You should describe your suitability against the person specification and ensure that you cover all essential criteria by providing evidence and examples of proven experience. We are unable to accept CVs without a completed application.

Reasonable Adjustments

Should you require any reasonable adjustments to support you in applying for this role, at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact the Recruitment team to tell us what changes or help you might need.

Apply Early...

Deadline & Shortlisting: 23 February 2026.

Interviews: Week commencing 2 March 2026.