Job Description

Director of King's Adventure - Lead a Legacy. Inspire Generations.

Hybrid (North West England travel required) | Full-Time, Year-Round Salary: Competitive | Start: Autumn Term 2025
At Great Schools Trust, we don't outsource character; we build it deliberately and systematically. The King's Adventure is our unique, trust-wide programme that equips every student from EYFS to Year 11 with the life skills, leadership attributes, and ethical compass needed to thrive in school and beyond.

We are seeking an exceptional and visionary Director of King's Adventure to take this nationally recognised programme to the next level. As Director, you will shape, scale, and lead a system-wide programme of personal development grounded in experiential learning, ethical leadership, and adventurous challenge. Reporting to the Chief Operating & Strategic Officer, you'll lead a dedicated team and oversee partnerships, qualifications, analytics, and staff development across the Trust.

Key Priorities:

Deliver a sequenced, quality-assured character curriculum across all GST academies Ensure full inclusion and engagement from FSM and SEND learners Embed the King's CV and Skills Rucksack into school systems Lead CPD for expedition staff, cadet instructors, and enrichment leads Establish national partnerships and a licensable traded services model Oversee compliance, safeguarding, and risk across outdoor and residential programming

Who We're Looking For

We're seeking a strategic, values-driven leader with a unique blend of educational, operational, and outdoor leadership experience. Whether you've led Duke of Edinburgh programmes, commanded within the Combined Cadet Force, or developed impactful residential and enrichment initiatives, what matters most is your passion for building young people's character, confidence, and leadership capacity.

You'll need to bring proven leadership in character education, personal development, or enrichment, along with experience in teaching and curriculum design. A strong track record of inclusive practice, especially in closing participation gaps and using data to drive equity and impact, will be key. As this role spans multiple academies, you should be confident operating across diverse school contexts, and able to uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and risk management, including EVC or equivalent accreditation.

We would also love to hear from applicants with expedition leadership qualifications (such as ML, BEL or Forest School), or those with Cadet instruction experience (e.g. DCCT, CCFT, Skill-at-Arms). First Aid, Mental Health First Aid, or IQA/Assessor status are highly advantageous, as is any experience generating income through commercial partnerships or grant funding.

What We Offer

Weekly protected CPD through our Institute of People, Character & Leadership (IPCL) CredimusAI tools to reduce admin and enhance planning Flexible working and cycle-to-work scheme BUPA EAP wellbeing support for all staff A values-driven culture that nurtures leadership, not management

How to Apply

Ready to lead something purposeful, human, and transformational? Apply via MyNewTerm.

For an informal conversation about the role or to arrange a tour, please contact: h.fenlon@greatschoolstrust.com

Great Schools Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 35,000.00-72,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Bereavement leave Discounted or free food Enhanced maternity leave Enhanced paternity leave Free flu jabs Free parking Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking Sick pay Work from home
Work Location: In person