The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspects over 1,300 independent schools in England, private further education colleges and British Schools Overseas. ISI is an independent not-for-profit organisation appointed by government to inspect and report against statutory standards. We also promote understanding of and positive engagement with the school inspection process and quality assurance. Our four inspection principles prioritise; manageability, collaboration, triangulation and proportionality.

ISI is seeking a Director of National Inspections to join our leadership team from September 2025 or earlier. The Director of National Inspections will be responsible for delivering consistently high-quality school inspections of and reports on independent association schools in England. The post holder will report to the Senior Director Inspections and work with the Director of Inspection Quality to support the design and delivery of high-quality, up-to-date training for ISI’s national inspector workforce. The successful candidate will oversee the quality assurance of the end-to-end inspection process for association school inspections.

The successful candidate will have a proven track record, ideally gained in both maintained and independent sectors, of improving standards through leading effective quality assurance in schools (or groups of schools) and with experience of leading inspections. They will have experience in designing and delivering effective workforce training. An experienced communicator with excellent interpersonal skills, they will also bring significant experience of collaborating with stakeholders and relevant external professional organisations.

To apply please download further information on the role below, please quote reference number 7639. The closing date for applications is Monday 6th January at 9am GMT.

The ISI will be supported in this appointment by executive search firm Perrett Laver. Any initial enquiries should be directed to Chris McCann chris.mccann@perrettlaver.com

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The ISI is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and the Board expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post.  

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