The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Are you an experienced education leader with a passion for improving outcomes for children and young people?
Reading Borough Council is seeking an exceptional School Effectiveness Officer to join our School Effectiveness Team. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly experienced school leader to influence educational standards across Reading, working closely with schools, governors, academy trusts and other partners to drive excellence and raise achievement for all learners, particularly those most vulnerable to underachievement.
We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
About the role
As a School Effectiveness Officer, you will play a key role in evaluating school performance, supporting improvement programmes and leading interventions where required. You will provide expert challenge and support to school leaders, contribute to strategic education projects and help shape the future of education across the borough
- Work in partnership with headteachers, governors, academy trusts and education partners to raise standards and improve outcomes.
- Evaluate school effectiveness and provide assurance regarding educational performance.
- Lead and support school improvement activity, including intervention work within schools requiring improvement.
- Analyse performance data to identify priorities and develop strategies that improve pupil progress and attainment.
- Deliver training, guidance and professional support to schools and governing bodies. Lead strategic projects and contribute to service improvement initiatives across Children's Services.
- Support and manage colleagues within the School Effectiveness Team and other project staff as required.
About you
You'll be a qualified teacher with significant leadership experience and a proven track record of driving school improvement. You will bring credibility, influence and strategic insight, alongside a deep understanding of the educational landscape.
We are looking for someone who has:
- Qualified Teacher Status and degree-level education.
- Experience as a Headteacher and/or system leader in school improvement.
- Extensive knowledge of teaching, learning, curriculum development, leadership, governance and school improvement.
- Strong understanding of the Education Inspection Framework and current educational policy.
- Experience using data and evidence to improve educational outcomes and reduce attainment gaps.
- A successful record of leading change, developing others and delivering measurable improvements.
- Excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills.
- A commitment to inclusion, equality of opportunity and improving outcomes for vulnerable children and young people.
You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.
Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
Work Together as one team - champion and inspire a culture which ensures that all employees across the organisation work together to provide excellent outcomes for Reading
Drive Efficiency - create an environment in which resources are used efficiently and employees’ skills are developed and used effectively
Be Ambitious - aspire to deliver excellence and inspire and support others to reach their potential
Make a Difference to Reading - inspire a culture in which the customer is the focus and where change is welcomed as an opportunity
Our offer
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.
A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities
- Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
- Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax
To arrange a confidential discussion on this position please contact [email protected]
Closing Date: Sunday 6th September 2026
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Interview Process: To be confirmed
