Regional Director

Join The Thinking Schools Academy Trust as Regional Director & Executive Principal of The Portsmouth Academy

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for shaping the future of education? The Thinking Schools Academy Trust invites you to apply for the role of Regional Director.

This is a unique opportunity to lead our Portsmouth schools while serving as the Executive Principal of The Portsmouth Academy, a school dedicated to empowering every student to think critically and achieve their full potential.

With a focus on strategic leadership, school improvement, and operational management, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our academies. If you are resilient, collaborative, and ready to make a significant impact, we invite you to apply for this key leadership role.

Why This Role is Perfect for You

• Dual Impact: As Director of Education - South, you'll oversee our Portsmouth schools, working alongside a team of two other regional directors (South West and South East), including a dedicated Deputy Director of Primaries for Portsmouth. Additionally, you'll lead The Portsmouth Academy, with a strong and experienced Senior Leadership Team in place, designed specifically to provide the support you need to drive innovation and excellence in one of the city's most dynamic schools.
• Comprehensive Support: You will join an experienced and supportive Executive Trust Leadership Team. A term 5 handover (or sooner) will allow you to work alongside the current post holder before they move into their new role within the Trust. This will ensure a smooth transition, providing you with the insight and support you need to hit the ground running.
• Collaborative Leadership: Join a network of passionate educators who believe in the power of thinking about their thinking. You'll work closely with the Leadership Team at The Portsmouth Academy as well as other leaders across the trust to create and implement strategies that foster success across the board.

What We Are Looking For

• High Academic Expectations: Hold unwavering high expectations for all students, regardless of their prior attainment or socio-economic backgrounds, ensuring every student has the opportunity to excel.
• Aspirational Culture: Possess the ability to cultivate a culture of aspiration amongst staff and students and create a supportive learning environment where every student can achieve their academic potential.
• Community Engagement: Be a passionate advocate for The Portsmouth Academy and our Portsmouth schools within the wider community, fostering strong relationships.
• Emotional Intelligence: Exhibit high levels of emotional intelligence, understanding and managing your own emotions, while effectively leading and inspiring others.
• Inclusion knowledge: Understand, embrace and be an advocate for strong inclusion practice in schools and actively drive this across the TSAT South region.
• Effective Team Leadership: Bring highly developed people skills and extensive experience in leading and motivating teams to achieve shared goals.
• Dynamic Communication: Possess excellent public speaking skills and the ability to communicate clearly and persuasively with a wide range of stakeholders, including students, parents, staff, and the wider community.
• Curriculum Expertise: Be fully acquainted with the demands and requirements of the curriculum, ensuring that our educational programs meet the highest standards and prepare students for future success.

To conclude we are seeking a leader who is not just experienced but inspired by the opportunity to shape the educational journey of thousands of students. Your innovative approach and commitment to excellence will be key in driving our mission forward.

Join us and lead with passion, purpose, and excellence!

About Us

Our mission is to “transform life chances”; at The Thinking Schools Academy Trust we believe education has the power to change lives; children only have one chance to get this right. To ensure all our academies focus on our mission, school leaders translated our mission to core values that are demonstrated and evident in all our Academies:

Child First, Aspire, Challenge, Achieve

Click here to read more about our Trust

What our Trust will offer you: 

• Coaching Environment: Vast support network including the CEO, Executive Team and other Directors to support you on your development journey;
• Collaborative Support: Benefit from resources, mentoring, and school visits across the Trust to enhance your knowledge of the Trust and our metacognitive approaches;
• Professional Development: With a strong and supportive Leadership and Management team within the Trust, we are focused on providing our staff with bespoke CPD;
• Central Services for Schools: The Trust employs experts in all major support services to focus on operations and infrastructure, giving time back to teachers to focus on education;
• Cutting-Edge Pedagogy: Experience an internationally accredited approach to thinking and learning, proven to elevate classroom practice;
• Staff Wellbeing Focus: Access our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, free flu vaccinations, and eye care vouchers;
• Competitive Pay Scales: Our TSAT pay scales exceed national standards;
• Chartered Teacher Recognition: As an accredited Chartered Teacher organisation, you can achieve recognition as a Chartered Teacher;
• Teachers’ Pension Scheme Membership: Secure your future with membership in the Teachers’ Pension Scheme;
• TSTARS Staff Recognition: Be part of our Staff Recognition Programme, with seasonal rewards for all staff;
• Refer a Friend: Spread the word and benefit from our Refer a Friend Scheme.

Considering a move to Portsmouth

Located on the picturesque southern coast, Portsmouth offers the perfect blend of maritime history, vibrant culture, and modern amenities:.

Make Portsmouth your new home, and experience a unique blend of coastal charm and urban excitement. Relocation package available.

Take the Next Step

Are you ready to make a difference? Apply now to join a Trust that values thinking, creativity, and excellence. Lead with us, and help shape the future of education in Portsmouth.

For an informal (and confidential) conversation about the role and to arrange a visit to the academy, please contact our recruitment partners Propelo on 01273 222 877, email tsat@propelo.co.uk or visit tsat.our-careers.co.uk.

Apply Today and be part of something transformative.