Overview
L1- L5. This is a rare and exciting role for an ambitious primary teacher at the start of their leadership journey who wants to extend their influence beyond a single school, without leaving the classroom behind.
Castle Phoenix Trust is seeking an excellent primary practitioner and aspiring leader to join our established School Improvement Team as a Trust Primary Lead. This role offers the best of both worlds: continuing high-quality classroom teaching while engaging in Trust-wide school improvement work.
Role details
Trust Primary Lead, Castle Phoenix Trust — Full time. Start Date: September 2026.
You will spend approximately 50% of your time teaching in one of our primary schools, modelling inclusive and impactful classroom practice. The remaining 50% will be Trust-facing, supporting improvement across our primary schools in curriculum, pedagogy and professional development.
Who is this role for?
This role is ideal for a highly effective primary teacher who:
* Is an excellent classroom practitioner and passionate about improving outcomes for children.
* Is ready to broaden their influence and develop Trust-level leadership experience
* Enjoys working with and alongside others, building trust through integrity and credibility
* Can engage colleagues around shared priorities, balancing challenge and support
* Is skilled in delivering high-quality, practical and meaningful CPD
You will consistently model professionalism and strong practice, understanding that relationships, collaboration and culture are central to sustainable school improvement.
What will you do?
No two days are the same. This is a varied role that requires flexibility, strong relational skills and a genuine passion for working with others. You will:
* Shape and strengthen curriculum thinking across the Trust, balancing coherence and ambition with respect for each school’s identity
* Champion Trust priorities such as reading, oracy, digital creativity, impactful teaching, achievement and aspiration
* Lead and deliver impactful professional development across schools
* Support colleagues through mentoring, coaching and reflective professional dialogue
* Build and lead cross-Trust networks that promote collaboration and shared problem-solving
* Lead or contribute to research-informed improvement initiatives
* Support quality assurance activities
* Move between working deeply in one setting and leading across multiple schools as required
Why join Castle Phoenix Trust?
Leadership within Castle Phoenix Trust is morally driven, human-centred and ambitious. We strive for excellence and high outcomes for children while valuing trust, openness and shared ownership. You will join a collegiate School Improvement Team that works hard, thinks deeply and challenges one another professionally, while valuing warmth and wellbeing as part of a high-performing culture.
We offer:
* A comprehensive induction programme, including a personal mentor or coach
* Access to expert coaching and leadership development
* Professional Growth underpinned by CPT leadership competencies
* Opportunities to work alongside experienced system leaders
* Clear development pathways for the next step in your career
* A range of benefits, including iPad provision, cycle to work scheme, employee discount and a strong commitment to staff wellbeing
In return, this role offers you the opportunity to:
* Make a difference to children in your own classroom and beyond
* Develop leadership skills and competencies
* Lead meaningful improvement across multiple schools
* Develop Trust-level leadership experience
* Be trusted, supported and challenged to grow
* Be part of a Trust that values excellence and humanity
If you are ready to take the next step, lead learning at scale while remaining rooted in classroom practice, and be part of a Trust that believes the best improvement happens through relationships and shared endeavour – we would love to hear from you.
Closing Date: Thursday 14th May 2026 12 noon
Interview: Week beginning 18th May 2026.
If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date for applications, please assume you have been unsuccessful. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. Please note, an online search may form part of this recruitment process following recommendations from Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025. This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and appointment will be conditional upon a satisfactory DBS check. The Trust is committed to safeguarding and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and vigilance.
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