Director of the Edge Learning Programme - Lisbon

ROLE SUMMARY:

Inspired Edge Academy was created to respond to a rapidly changing world where academic knowledge alone is no longer enough. Our model blends rigorous academics with real-world skills, creativity and emotional intelligence — unlocking every child's full potential.

Through personalised learning, accelerated academics and real-world projects, students gain the confidence, adaptability and leadership skills needed for the future.

Edge Academy is a digitally native, AI-powered learning model built from first principles — combining academic mastery, intelligent technology and real-world application. What sets Edge apart is the way each day is intentionally designed to balance academic excellence with meaningful application, with a qualified educator who supports pupils throughout the day, ensuring continuity, strong relationships, and a deep understanding of each child’s growth.

With the help of intelligent AI technology, Mornings are dedicated to Academic Mastery, with English, Mathematics, Science, Languages, and Computing delivered using AI and aligned with national and international curriculum requirements.  Learning is delivered through adaptive platforms and structured workshops, ensuring every child develops automaticity, depth of understanding, and strong readiness for secondary education.

Afternoons shift from mastery to applied learning, focusing on real-world skills, creative pursuits, and practical applications. These sessions foster resilience, communication, and independence, ensuring growth goes beyond academic achievement. Through project-based work, public speaking, leadership development, entrepreneurship, and real-world problem-solving, students learn to think independently and act confidently. Community engagement is integrated throughout, helping children connect their learning to life outside the classroom.

The Role:

This is not a traditional headship role. It is a performance-focused leadership position, responsible for ensuring that the Edge Academy model delivers exceptional outcomes from day one.

You will work closely with the CEO of Edge Academy and the cross-functional support team to:

• Translate the Edge vision into daily execution


• Build and lead a team of high-performing educators


• Ensure academic mastery, strong culture, and operational precision

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure rigorous alignment with curriculum outcomes as the school progresses through KS2, 3, 4, and 5.


• Oversee adaptive learning systems and data dashboards


• Track mastery at a granular, real-time level


• Intervene quickly and precisely where gaps emerge


• Ensure workshops are short, focused and outcome-driven


• Embed and continuously refine the Edge learning model


• Ensure consistency across educators in delivery, expectations and student experience


• Balance academic rigour and applied learning outcomes


• Recruit, develop, and performance-manage a team of educators and support staff


• Coach teachers to use AI tools effectively, operate with pace and clarity and maintain high standards consistently


• Set a clear bar for energy, precision and accountability


• Use data as the primary driver of decision-making


• Monitor student progress, engagement and intervention impact


• Translate insights into immediate action and system improvements


• Maintain clear behavioural expectations


• Set academic targets that are ambitious and measurable


• Build strong relationships with families through clarity and confidence


• Contribute to refining systems in a startup environment


• Help recruit and model the calibre of future educators


• Operate as part of a startup environment


• Help design and refine systems, processes and playbooks


• Contribute to scaling the Edge Academy across the Group

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

• Strong understanding of KS2 curriculum and progression


• Proven track record of driving academic outcomes


• Comfortable working with data and performance metrics to drive improvement


• Bachelor’s degree and recognised teaching qualification (QTS or equivalent).


• Relentless focus on outcomes over activity


• High expectations of students and staff


• Able to operate with pace and clarity


• Depth of leadership experience likely gained by currently serving as a Head of Department, Deputy or Assistant Head in an excellent school.


• Strong communicator with clear authority and gravitas


• Able to influence and challenge


• Builds trust quickly with staff, students and parents


• Thrives in ambiguity


• Enjoys building systems


• Not dependent on legacy structures


• Sees opportunity rather than risk in something new


• Genuine interest in AI in education and new learning models


• Willing to test, iterate and improve continuously

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT:

Inspired Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.