Director of Education

Stoke-on-Trent is ambitious for its children and young people. With a growing and diverse pupil population, a recently published strategy focused on attendance, inclusion and engagement, and strong alignment across political and corporate leadership, we are committed to improving education outcomes and strengthening life chances across the city.

As Director of Education, you will lead the Council’s education service across school improvement, early years, inclusion, SEND, education access and provision, virtual school, quality assurance and curriculum, schools traded services and Adult Education and skills. Working within a school-led system, you will build on the Council’s education partnership arrangements, driving collective responsibility and consistency improvement across headteachers, trusts and system leaders.

This is a city where education is central to wider ambitions around skills, employment and inclusive growth, and where the Director of Education will play a leading role in shaping a coherent, city-wide vision for children and young people. The portfolio is significant in its breadth and scale, with the opportunity to operate at a corporate and system level, working closely with members, senior leaders and partners across the city.

If you are an experienced education leader with the credibility and ambition to drive system-wide change, please get in touch.

Closing date: 17thMay 2026

For more information please contact Tim.Farr@Starfishsearch.com or Tom.Ripley@starfishsearch.com