Instrumental curriculum leader jobs

Do you have a track record of delivering outstanding fundraising results? Do you have the drive, passion and commitment to develop and lead fundraising campaigns that ultimately help young people succeed? We are looking for a fundraising professional to lead the alumni and fundraising activities at the BRGS Fundraising Trust, a charity connected to Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School.

About Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School

Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School is a mixed secondary grammar school and sixth form for 11 to 18 year olds in Waterfoot, Lancashire. We joined Star Academies in 2023 and, like all Star schools, we have a leadership specialism.

We provide a knowledge-based academic curriculum alongside a rich and diverse leadership programme that grows character and inspires charitable and social action. Our pursuit of educational excellence is based upon our fundamental belief that every pupil has the capacity to become a successful and inspirational leader.

Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School has a charitable foundation, the BRGS Fundraising Trust, that raises and distributes funding to support Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School pupils. It exists to expand opportunities and improve outcomes for all pupils at the school, with a particular focus on supporting those with additional barriers to success, such as pupils from lower‑income families.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for a talented individual to lead the development of fundraising and alumni engagement for the BRGS Fundraising Trust. Your expertise will secure the support of our community to continue to provide an outstanding learning environment for our young people.

The successful candidate will be a proactive leader with strong fundraising knowledge and skills. You will have extensive experience of delivering fundraising projects and campaigns, preferably in education contexts, with proven ability to develop relationships with alumni, parents and other donors.

The successful candidate will be employed by Star Academies and will deliver the fundraising strategy for the school and charity.

You will have:

• A degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience in fundraising through individual giving and major donors.
• Experience cultivating and stewarding major donors and senior stakeholders.
• Understanding of effective fundraising practice and donor stewardship.
• Knowledge of alumni relations and community engagement strategies.

About Star Academies

Star Academies is a high-performing multi-academy trust that runs more than 30 primary and secondary schools. We are a values-based organisation that works to improve the life chances of young people in areas of social and economic deprivation to help them succeed at the highest levels of education, employment and the professions. Every single day you’ll be rewarded with the opportunity to shape a young person’s future - our STAR values embody what we believe is needed to succeed.

Professional development is key to our ongoing success, so we continually invest in our employees through our professional development hub, Star Talent Academy. With a wealth of training, mentoring and progression opportunities across a large, growing group of academies, joining our team of leading education experts could propel your career to the next level.

We can also offer you a range of rewards and benefits, including competitive salaries and pension schemes, generous holiday entitlements and healthcare cash plans.

Find out more

This role is full time, however we are open to requests for part-time working, with a minimum of 3 days a week.

At least 50% of the role will be on site at Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School, with the remaining proportion undertaken remotely if preferred by the postholder.

Please download the job description and person specification below for further information about the role. For an informal and confidential discussion about the role, please contact the school.

Key Dates

Closing Date: Sunday, 12 April 2026 at midnight.

Interview Date: Thursday, 30 April 2026.

Proposed Start Date: Monday, 1 June 2026.

Application Process

To apply for this vacancy please use the 'Apply for job' link below. You should ensure your application form and supporting statement address all elements of the person specification. We will only consider candidates who meet the vast majority of the essential criteria outlined in the person specification.

Our Commitment

Star Academies is committed to safeguarding, safer recruitment and promoting the welfare of pupils. Our comprehensive recruitment and selection processes aim to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. Successful candidates are subject to rigorous pre-employment checks.

We are equally committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity. We aim for our workforce to be representative of society and that each employee feels respected and able to give their best. We are committed to providing equality and fairness in our recruitment and employment practices and not to discriminate on any grounds. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.