Maplefields Training & Development welcomes applications from those interested in working as a Specialist Leader of Education. Applications from primary and secondary teaching staff across all subject areas are invited.

We are currently Recruiting in all subjects and aspects!

If you would like to apply for designation as a Specialist Leader of Education with us, please download the application form and guidance notes from this page. Your completed application should be submitted via email to   we will then contact you to discuss and arrange an interview date.

Interested in becoming an SLE?

• Are you an outstanding middle or senior leader with at least two years’ experience?
• Have a successful track record of work effectively within their own school and/or across a group of schools?
• Are you able to give evidence of successfully using coaching and or facilitation skills to bring about sustainable improvements?

Maplefields Teaching School Alliance are looking to recruit both Primary and Secondary phase SLEs in the next round of recruitment. An SLE is a middle or senior leader in a position below the head teacher with a particular area of expertise, who will support middle or senior leaders in other schools. Deployment is based on need and demand. Deployment types will vary.

There are many benefits for SLEs and their schools: Opportunities to work independently, to be creative and try out new ideas, development of coaching and facilitation skills, opportunity to network with peers, experience of different school environments and the chance to learn from ideas and approaches used in other schools.  

By becoming an SLE you will be extending you leadership skills by supporting collegues in local schools through training, development and school to school support.

Teaching schools are responsible for the selection and placement of specialist leaders of education. This is one part of the government’s plan to give schools a central role in developing a self-improving and sustainable school-led system.

If you are interested please read the criteria and access the application form from this page.

We are looking for teachers with skills in phonics, literacy, and all primary and secondary subject areas and as Leading SENCOs.

If you would like a conversation about the role of SLE within our alliance please do contact either Sue Ijewsky or Lynda Morgan. We will be happy to speak with you.

Email :

Before applying read the: SLE Application Guidance

Download our SLE Application form ((Downloaded form))

Who can apply? 

To become a specialist leader of education, you need to have been in a leadership role below the headteacher for at least 2 years. Your headteacher will be asked to confirm that you are in an appropriate role. Higher level teaching assistants are not eligible to apply.

You can be from any type or phase of school.

You do not need to be in an outstanding school or a school that is part of a teaching school alliance, as long as your school has the capacity to release you to work in other schools. You must have at least one specialism from our areas of expertise, which are based on the 4 areas of focus for Ofsted.

Quality of Education

Curriculum development and leadership
Academies and academy transition; assessment; leadership of continuing professional development; school business management and financial management; leadership of curriculum

Pupil achievement:
Art; closing the gap; drama; design and technology; early years; english; geography; history; information and communication technology; maths; modern foreign languages; music; phonics; physical education; personal, social and health education; religious education; science; special educational needs; support for the most able pupils

Quality of teaching:
Initial teacher training and newly qualified teacher development

Personal Development / Behaviour and safety:

Behaviour and discipline; attendance

To be successful in your application, you should have:

• A successful track record of working effectively within your own school and/or across a group of schools, or working with a range of leaders within a single school
• Evidence of successfully using coaching and/or facilitation skills to bring about sustainable improvements
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• An understanding of what constitutes ‘outstanding’ in your field of expertise and the ability and confidence to communicate this
• An understanding of how your specialism and skills can contribute to wider school improvement goals
• An analytical approach in identifying and prioritising needs
• The ability to set and establish new and innovative working practices
• The ability to grow leadership capacity in others

You can also provide supporting evidence gained from completing leadership development opportunities such as:

• The National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership
• The National Professional Qualification for Middle Leadership
• The SSAT lead practitioner accreditation

How much does it cost?

There is no cost to apply. Successful applicants will be entitled to some training at no cost to their school. However, the school will have to pay for associated travel or supply cover.