Great leadership and support, - senior vice principal Star Academies Employee Review

5.0
19 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Outstanding leadership at the highest level with the sole focus on improving life chances of children from deprived backgrounds. A strong level of support for the role you undertake, with clear guidance and accessible leadership at all levels. An excellent employee support programme, including salary sacrifice schemes, access to counselling services, and GP appointments, which promotes staff wellbeing. High-quality resources, policies, and systems that enable staff to perform their roles effectively. Clear and consistent guidance from head office, ensuring alignment, clarity of expectations, and strategic direction across the trust.

Cons

At times, trust-level leadership may focus heavily on their specific area of responsibility, which can feel challenging at school level where leaders are managing multiple priorities simultaneously. This can occasionally lead to a perception that the complexity and breadth of day-to-day school leadership are not fully understood.

Explore other reviews about Star Academies

5.0
3 Oct 2021
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Supportive staff and excellent teaching methods. The kids love it!

Cons

Salary offered is quite low despite experience.

5.0
19 Jun 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Opportunities for progression within clearly defined leadership structures. Guidance and facilitation for middle and senior leaders from the central team are balanced alongside valuing adaptations for school contexts and pupil needs. Shared thinking and improvement between colleagues across the trust through network meetings, online forums and face-to-face annual conferences for both middle and senior leaders; there is a real sense of belonging to and being a valued member of each team. Collaboration within and between schools is encouraged and enabled. Chances to visit other schools to see great practice in common areas of school leadership. Evidence-informed approaches to teaching and professional development, which is sustained and directly relevant to teachers’ own practice. Hard work is recognised and appreciated.

Cons

Working in an an ambitious multi-academy trust means that there will always be pressure points. However, key dates are shared at and even before the beginning of the academic year so that organisation and forward planning enables these to be well-managed by individuals and teams.

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