Head of Programmes and Projects At Star Academies, we are committed to transforming lives through education. We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Head of Programmes and Projects to lead and manage our Projects Unit. As Head of Programmes and Projects, you will take responsibility for leading our programme and project management function within our head office. This includes developing and maintaining a robust framework for programme and project delivery, strengthening organisational capability in this area, and managing the Projects Unit. You will oversee and drive the successful delivery of multiple programmes and projects running concurrently, working in close partnership with colleagues across all levels of the organisation, including senior leadership, to ensure objectives are achieved on time and to an exceptional standard. This role is crucial in overseeing a diverse programme of new projects, including the development of new schools, converting and transferring academies, and exploring growth opportunities. If you are passionate about driving change and delivering impactful projects, we want to hear from you! Who we are looking for: As the successful candidate, you will be an experienced programme and project manager with a proven ability to identify and deliver change using project management techniques and methodology. You will have experience working in a PMO, leading multidisciplinary teams, delivering organisational objectives and driving change and improvement. You will be an inclusive and collaborative team leader, with a keen interest in developing both your team and organisational capacity and capability. This is a role that will require you to travel anywhere within England where new school projects emerge, therefore willingness to travel is essential. About Star Academies Star Academies is a high-performing multi-academy trust that runs more than 30 primary and secondary schools. We are a values-based organisation that works to improve the life chances of young people in areas of social and economic deprivation to help them succeed at the highest levels of education, employment and the professions. Every single day you'll be rewarded with the opportunity to shape a young person's future - our STAR values embody what we believe is needed to succeed. Professional development is key to our ongoing success, so we continually invest in our employees through our professional development hub, Star Talent Academy. With a wealth of training, mentoring and progression opportunities across a large, growing group of academies, joining our team of leading education experts could propel your career to the next level. We can also offer you a range of rewards and benefits, including competitive salaries and pension schemes, generous holiday entitlements and healthcare cash plans. Key Dates: Closing Date: Wednesday 4 February 2026 at 23:59. Interview Date: w/c 9 February 2026. Proposed Start Date: negotiable/as soon as possible. Find out more To apply, please visit our website via the button below. Note, we currently operate hybrid working arrangements (3 days a week at our head office in Blackburn and two days at home).
Feb 04, 2026
Full time
Head of Programmes and Projects At Star Academies, we are committed to transforming lives through education. We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Head of Programmes and Projects to lead and manage our Projects Unit. As Head of Programmes and Projects, you will take responsibility for leading our programme and project management function within our head office. This includes developing and maintaining a robust framework for programme and project delivery, strengthening organisational capability in this area, and managing the Projects Unit. You will oversee and drive the successful delivery of multiple programmes and projects running concurrently, working in close partnership with colleagues across all levels of the organisation, including senior leadership, to ensure objectives are achieved on time and to an exceptional standard. This role is crucial in overseeing a diverse programme of new projects, including the development of new schools, converting and transferring academies, and exploring growth opportunities. If you are passionate about driving change and delivering impactful projects, we want to hear from you! Who we are looking for: As the successful candidate, you will be an experienced programme and project manager with a proven ability to identify and deliver change using project management techniques and methodology. You will have experience working in a PMO, leading multidisciplinary teams, delivering organisational objectives and driving change and improvement. You will be an inclusive and collaborative team leader, with a keen interest in developing both your team and organisational capacity and capability. This is a role that will require you to travel anywhere within England where new school projects emerge, therefore willingness to travel is essential. About Star Academies Star Academies is a high-performing multi-academy trust that runs more than 30 primary and secondary schools. We are a values-based organisation that works to improve the life chances of young people in areas of social and economic deprivation to help them succeed at the highest levels of education, employment and the professions. Every single day you'll be rewarded with the opportunity to shape a young person's future - our STAR values embody what we believe is needed to succeed. Professional development is key to our ongoing success, so we continually invest in our employees through our professional development hub, Star Talent Academy. With a wealth of training, mentoring and progression opportunities across a large, growing group of academies, joining our team of leading education experts could propel your career to the next level. We can also offer you a range of rewards and benefits, including competitive salaries and pension schemes, generous holiday entitlements and healthcare cash plans. Key Dates: Closing Date: Wednesday 4 February 2026 at 23:59. Interview Date: w/c 9 February 2026. Proposed Start Date: negotiable/as soon as possible. Find out more To apply, please visit our website via the button below. Note, we currently operate hybrid working arrangements (3 days a week at our head office in Blackburn and two days at home).
Chief Operating Officer (COO) Star Academies is one of the country's leading multi-academy trusts, with a diverse network of primary and secondary schools serving communities across the country. We are committed to educational excellence, character development and service to our communities, nurturing today's young people and inspiring tomorrow's leaders. About the role We are now seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join our executive leadership team. This pivotal new role will lead the next phase of organisational development, ensuring our operational infrastructure, systems, and people strategies are cutting edge, scalable, and fully aligned with our mission. Working closely with the Chief Executive and the Trust's Senior Leadership Team, you will champion and drive operational excellence across the organisation. You will lead our business transformation programme, encompassing digital transformation, professional services, HR and people strategy and services, talent development through our Talent Academy, estates and facilities, and governance - ensuring these functions work seamlessly to enable outstanding outcomes in all our schools. Who we're looking for We are looking for an experienced senior leader with a track record of operational transformation in complex, multi-site organisations. You will bring strategic vision, systems-level problem-solving skills, and a collaborative leadership style that builds trust and organisational capability. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of a values-driven, high-performing trust and make a significant contribution to the life chances of thousands of young people. About Star Academies Star Academies is a high-performing multi-academy trust that runs more than 30 primary and secondary schools. We are a values-based organisation that works to improve the life chances of young people in areas of social and economic deprivation to help them succeed at the highest levels of education, employment and the professions. Every single day you'll be rewarded with the opportunity to shape a young person's future - our STAR values embody what we believe is needed to succeed. Professional development is key to our ongoing success, so we continually invest in our employees through our professional development hub, Star Talent Academy. With a wealth of training, mentoring and progression opportunities across a large, growing group of academies, joining our team of leading education experts could propel your career to the next level. We can also offer you a range of rewards and benefits, including competitive salaries and pension schemes, generous holiday entitlements and healthcare cash plans. Find out more Please download the Appointment Brief for further information about the role. If you have any questions about the role or the recruitment process, please contact Daniel Burgess, Lead Resourcing Partner, by emailing . Key dates: Closing Date: 9 March 2026 at midnight. Interview Date: 27 March 2026 (at Star Central, in Blackburn). Proposed Start Date: To be negotiated. Application process To apply, please visit our website via the button below.
Feb 03, 2026
Full time
Chief Operating Officer (COO) Star Academies is one of the country's leading multi-academy trusts, with a diverse network of primary and secondary schools serving communities across the country. We are committed to educational excellence, character development and service to our communities, nurturing today's young people and inspiring tomorrow's leaders. About the role We are now seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join our executive leadership team. This pivotal new role will lead the next phase of organisational development, ensuring our operational infrastructure, systems, and people strategies are cutting edge, scalable, and fully aligned with our mission. Working closely with the Chief Executive and the Trust's Senior Leadership Team, you will champion and drive operational excellence across the organisation. You will lead our business transformation programme, encompassing digital transformation, professional services, HR and people strategy and services, talent development through our Talent Academy, estates and facilities, and governance - ensuring these functions work seamlessly to enable outstanding outcomes in all our schools. Who we're looking for We are looking for an experienced senior leader with a track record of operational transformation in complex, multi-site organisations. You will bring strategic vision, systems-level problem-solving skills, and a collaborative leadership style that builds trust and organisational capability. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of a values-driven, high-performing trust and make a significant contribution to the life chances of thousands of young people. About Star Academies Star Academies is a high-performing multi-academy trust that runs more than 30 primary and secondary schools. We are a values-based organisation that works to improve the life chances of young people in areas of social and economic deprivation to help them succeed at the highest levels of education, employment and the professions. Every single day you'll be rewarded with the opportunity to shape a young person's future - our STAR values embody what we believe is needed to succeed. Professional development is key to our ongoing success, so we continually invest in our employees through our professional development hub, Star Talent Academy. With a wealth of training, mentoring and progression opportunities across a large, growing group of academies, joining our team of leading education experts could propel your career to the next level. We can also offer you a range of rewards and benefits, including competitive salaries and pension schemes, generous holiday entitlements and healthcare cash plans. Find out more Please download the Appointment Brief for further information about the role. If you have any questions about the role or the recruitment process, please contact Daniel Burgess, Lead Resourcing Partner, by emailing . Key dates: Closing Date: 9 March 2026 at midnight. Interview Date: 27 March 2026 (at Star Central, in Blackburn). Proposed Start Date: To be negotiated. Application process To apply, please visit our website via the button below.
Senior Project Manager Star Academies is seeking an exceptional Project Manager to lead and support the delivery of a range of strategic projects, including the development of the Eton Star Partnership and its sixth form colleges, the opening of new free schools, academy conversions, and wider business change initiatives across the Trust. The Eton Star Partnership combines the global reputation and heritage of Eton College with Star Academies' national track record for excellence and inclusion. Its mission is to elevate the life chances of young people from disadvantaged communities through exceptional education, strengthened social mobility, and the development of civic agency. As part of this mission, the partnership is opening new sixth form free schools in Dudley and Oldham, offering a highly academic curriculum, extensive enrichment opportunities, and tailored preparation for progression to top universities and degree apprenticeships. In this role, you will provide high quality strategic and operational project management support for the establishment of the Eton Star sixth forms. Alongside the Eton Star projects, you will lead and support additional projects relating to new schools, academy conversions and organisational change initiatives across the Trust. Working closely with colleagues from Eton College, Star Academies, local authorities and the Department for Education, you will develop and manage comprehensive project plans covering all phases of pre opening and mobilisation. If you are an experienced project manager looking for an exciting and meaningful challenge, this is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping high profile education projects that will raise standards, extend opportunity, and contribute to social mobility for young people across our communities. Who we are looking for: We are looking for a proactive and highly organised Project Manager with a strong track record of delivering complex projects successfully. You will be able to balance strategic oversight with meticulous attention to detail and will be confident in establishing teams, managing workstreams, solving problems, and driving progress in fast moving environments. You will bring excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, enabling you to build positive and productive relationships with senior leaders, operational teams and external partners. Your ability to analyse information, spot risks early, and provide clear, evidence based reporting will be key to ensuring the success of each project. This is a role that will require you to travel anywhere within England where new school projects emerge, therefore willingness to travel is essential. About Star Central Star Central, which is based at our head office in Blackburn, Lancashire, provides leadership, strategic direction and support to Star Academies and our schools. The Star Central team includes experts from a range of professional backgrounds, who work together to provide an outstanding support service to the Star community. We support our schools to provide educational and operational excellence and to cultivate a strong Star community, with the aim of nurturing today's young people and inspiring tomorrow's leaders. About Star Academies Star Academies is a high-performing multi-academy trust that runs more than 30 primary and secondary schools. We are a values-based organisation that works to improve the life chances of young people in areas of social and economic deprivation to help them succeed at the highest levels of education, employment and the professions. Every single day you'll be rewarded with the opportunity to shape a young person's future - our STAR values embody what we believe is needed to succeed. Professional development is key to our ongoing success, so we continually invest in our employees through our professional development hub, Star Talent Academy. With a wealth of training, mentoring and progression opportunities across a large, growing group of academies, joining our team of leading education experts could propel your career to the next level. We can also offer you a range of rewards and benefits, including competitive salaries and pension schemes, generous holiday entitlements and healthcare cash plans. Key Dates Closing Date: Wednesday 4 February 2026 at 23:59. Interview Date: w/c 9 February 2026 Proposed Start Date: negotiable/as soon as possible Find out more For more information and to apply online, please go to: Star Academies Jobs Search here for your perfect career - Job Information Apply for Senior Project Manager Note, we currently operate hybrid working arrangements (3 days a week at our head office in Blackburn and two days at home).
Feb 02, 2026
Full time
Senior Project Manager Star Academies is seeking an exceptional Project Manager to lead and support the delivery of a range of strategic projects, including the development of the Eton Star Partnership and its sixth form colleges, the opening of new free schools, academy conversions, and wider business change initiatives across the Trust. The Eton Star Partnership combines the global reputation and heritage of Eton College with Star Academies' national track record for excellence and inclusion. Its mission is to elevate the life chances of young people from disadvantaged communities through exceptional education, strengthened social mobility, and the development of civic agency. As part of this mission, the partnership is opening new sixth form free schools in Dudley and Oldham, offering a highly academic curriculum, extensive enrichment opportunities, and tailored preparation for progression to top universities and degree apprenticeships. In this role, you will provide high quality strategic and operational project management support for the establishment of the Eton Star sixth forms. Alongside the Eton Star projects, you will lead and support additional projects relating to new schools, academy conversions and organisational change initiatives across the Trust. Working closely with colleagues from Eton College, Star Academies, local authorities and the Department for Education, you will develop and manage comprehensive project plans covering all phases of pre opening and mobilisation. If you are an experienced project manager looking for an exciting and meaningful challenge, this is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping high profile education projects that will raise standards, extend opportunity, and contribute to social mobility for young people across our communities. Who we are looking for: We are looking for a proactive and highly organised Project Manager with a strong track record of delivering complex projects successfully. You will be able to balance strategic oversight with meticulous attention to detail and will be confident in establishing teams, managing workstreams, solving problems, and driving progress in fast moving environments. You will bring excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, enabling you to build positive and productive relationships with senior leaders, operational teams and external partners. Your ability to analyse information, spot risks early, and provide clear, evidence based reporting will be key to ensuring the success of each project. This is a role that will require you to travel anywhere within England where new school projects emerge, therefore willingness to travel is essential. About Star Central Star Central, which is based at our head office in Blackburn, Lancashire, provides leadership, strategic direction and support to Star Academies and our schools. The Star Central team includes experts from a range of professional backgrounds, who work together to provide an outstanding support service to the Star community. We support our schools to provide educational and operational excellence and to cultivate a strong Star community, with the aim of nurturing today's young people and inspiring tomorrow's leaders. About Star Academies Star Academies is a high-performing multi-academy trust that runs more than 30 primary and secondary schools. We are a values-based organisation that works to improve the life chances of young people in areas of social and economic deprivation to help them succeed at the highest levels of education, employment and the professions. Every single day you'll be rewarded with the opportunity to shape a young person's future - our STAR values embody what we believe is needed to succeed. Professional development is key to our ongoing success, so we continually invest in our employees through our professional development hub, Star Talent Academy. With a wealth of training, mentoring and progression opportunities across a large, growing group of academies, joining our team of leading education experts could propel your career to the next level. We can also offer you a range of rewards and benefits, including competitive salaries and pension schemes, generous holiday entitlements and healthcare cash plans. Key Dates Closing Date: Wednesday 4 February 2026 at 23:59. Interview Date: w/c 9 February 2026 Proposed Start Date: negotiable/as soon as possible Find out more For more information and to apply online, please go to: Star Academies Jobs Search here for your perfect career - Job Information Apply for Senior Project Manager Note, we currently operate hybrid working arrangements (3 days a week at our head office in Blackburn and two days at home).
