Ambition Institute

Ambition Institute is a national education charity. We help schools tackling educational disadvantage to keep getting better and help their teachers and school leaders to become more expert over time. Our evidence-based professional development programmes support educators at every stage – from early career teachers through to CEOs leading multiple schools, and all the crucial teaching and leadership roles in between.

When disadvantaged young children start primary school, they are often over four months behind non-disadvantaged peers. This gap doubles by the time they finish primary school and doubles again by the time they complete secondary school. At this stage, they are over a year and a half behind in terms of their attainment. Compared to their peers, disadvantaged young people are three times more likely lose opportunities for employment, education or training when they leave school. We know that improving teaching and school leadership is the best way to address this gap. No other aspects of the school system have as much influence on pupil achievement, particularly the achievement of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.

For 10 years, we’ve been delivering complex professional development programmes at scale. Our 30,000-strong national network is built on responsive collaboration, respect for localised knowledge, and a rigorous approach to quality assurance. We are at an exciting stage as an organisation.  We have strong foundations, and we’re growing fast.  This year, we have become the biggest provider in the country of early career support to teachers and national professional qualifications to school leaders.  This gives us a great platform to take forward our mission and have an even bigger impact on the quality of teaching in this country.  We are looking for a chair to build on our strengths, to help us accelerate our impact and to support and challenge us to achieve more for the teachers and pupils we serve.

This is an opportunity to make a mark on the education sector nationally, and by doing so improve the futures of millions of young people, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds. It is also a chance to lead a talented Board and Executive Team at a time when the organisation is poised for significant growth and strategic development. If you are passionate about young people, education and supporting organisations to grow and accelerate their impact this is a great opportunity to bring your skills, knowledge, and experience to help Ambition Institute deliver its mission.

For more information, please download the Appointment Brief document.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to Ambition Institute on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference SATAUA.  Alternatively, telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on Wednesday 2^nd February.