Regional Director – South Cumbria
Co-op Academies Trust

Contract: Full-time, permanent
Salary: £157,997 – £168,969 plus significant additional benefits
Accountable to: Chief Executive Officer
Start date: January 2027
Location: Nearest Trust Headquarters

Are you ready to lead transformational change across a region of schools?

We are seeking an exceptional senior education leader to join our Trust as Regional Director – South Cumbria. This is a rare opportunity to play a pivotal role in improving outcomes for children and young people while helping shape the strategic direction of a values-driven, ambitious Trust.

Co-op Academies Trust is built on the principles of co-operation and a commitment to improving the life chances of young people through a great education. Working closely with our sponsor, the Co-op Group, our academies are united by shared values including self-help, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity. These values underpin everything we do and are reflected in our ‘Ways of Being Co-op’: Do what matters most, Be yourself always, Show you care and Succeed together.

As Regional Director, you will lead a hub of six schools in South Cumbria, including an all-through academy and five primary schools. You will work closely with Headteachers, Academy Community Councils and Trust colleagues to drive school improvement, strengthen leadership and ensure that every academy delivers the highest possible standards of education and pupil experience.

You will join the Trust’s central Senior Leadership Team and play a key role in shaping Trust strategy, supporting the growth of the organisation and championing the power of co-operation across our academies and communities.

Working in partnership with the CEO, Trust Board and senior leaders, you will provide strategic leadership across the region while also leading a key Trust-wide priority area, striving for excellence and impact across the organisation.

As Regional Director, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership and management for academies across the South Cumbria region.

• Lead, coach and support Headteachers and senior leaders to deliver sustained school improvement.

• Monitor academy performance and challenge leaders to secure excellent outcomes for pupils.

• Work collaboratively with the Trust Board, Academy Community Councils and regional partners.

• Champion co-operative values and ensure they are embedded across academies and communities.

• Contribute to Trust-wide strategy as a member of the central leadership team.

• Identify opportunities for Trust growth and support new schools joining the Trust.

• Build strong relationships with partners including local authorities, Ofsted and educational organisations.

• Lead on a Trust-wide priority area, driving improvement and excellence across the organisation.

The successful candidate will:

• Be an experienced and highly credible education leader with a strong track record of improving schools.

• Demonstrate the ability to influence and support leaders beyond a single institution.

• Be skilled at evaluating school performance and implementing effective improvement strategies.

• Have the ability to build strong partnerships and networks across education and the wider community.

• Demonstrate excellent communication, leadership and interpersonal skills.

• Be committed to the co-operative values and ethos that underpin the Trust.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a region of schools at a pivotal stage in its development and to make a meaningful difference to the lives of young people and their communities.

Benefits include:

• 31 days annual leave plus bank holidays

• Local Government Pension Scheme or Teachers’ Pension Scheme (subject to eligibility)

• Access to a wide range of Co-op employee benefits

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Jenna Everett on 07593 583 047 or email jenna@satiseducation.co.uk.

Application Process

Closing date for applications: Thursday 4th June 2026, 4pm
Interviews: Wednesday 17th and Friday 19th June 2026 (venue in Barrow to be confirmed)

For more information and to apply, please visit www.joincoopacademies.co.uk

Safeguarding

Co-op Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.