Principal : Full Time : Permanent : South West England
Job Title: Principal
Location: South West England
Salary: Leadership Scale L29 : L35
Contract Type: Full:time, Permanent
Reporting to: Regional Director
Start Date: ASAP
Job Summary
We are seeking an exceptional and visionary Principal to lead an Academy in the South West. This is a significant leadership opportunity for a driven individual to manage the internal organisation, management, and control of the Academy.
The successful candidate will lead the staff in realizing a vision of establishing a unique, extended learning community that caters to the whole person:academically, vocationally, socially, morally, and spiritually. You will ensure the Academy not only serves students but acts as a central pillar of the local community hub, integrating adults, families, and partners to drive genuine transformation.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
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Formulate aims and objectives aligned with the Trusts philosophy of education and values.
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Produce and implement Academy evaluation and improvement plans, setting strategic targets and performance indicators.
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Ensure the Academy serves as a model of community transformation by integrating adults and students.
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Lead and inspire staff by example, encouraging the highest personal and professional standards.
Staff Management
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Oversee the recruitment, deployment, and line management of all teaching and support staff.
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Lead the annual performance management cycle, ensuring high:calibre training and development opportunities are available.
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Oversee a rigorous assessment framework to judge the quality of teaching and learning.
Student Outcomes and Welfare
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Ensure a safe, secure learning environment in accordance with the latest safeguarding and statutory guidance.
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Develop an effective system of pastoral care, providing support, advice, and guidance for future pathways.
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Provide a personalised curriculum that meets the needs of all students, including those with learning difficulties and the highly gifted.
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Determine strategies to ensure high standards of behaviour and attendance.
Operational and Resource Management
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Allocate, control, and account for financial and material resources.
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Ensure the maintenance and development of premises to provide extensive facilities for students and the community.
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Manage health and safety compliance across the site.
Community and External Liaison
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Develop collaborative links with the local community hub to maximise opportunities for families.
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Maintain positive relationships with other schools, the Local Authority, and business partners.
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Foster a strong partnership with parents and carers, ensuring they are actively involved in their childs education.
Qualifications
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Qualified to degree level.
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PGCE (or equivalent) with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
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NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship) is desirable.
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Evidence of recent, relevant professional development.
Experience
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Proven track record of effective headship or senior leadership in an urban primary or secondary school (ideally graded Good or Outstanding).
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Experience in leading and managing teams to a high standard.
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Demonstrable impact on managing and improving curriculum offers.
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Experience in financial management, sustainability, and risk management.
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Strong experience working effectively with local communities and multi:agency partners.
Skills and Attributes
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Ability to develop and communicate a complex vision in simple terms.
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Passionately committed to safeguarding and the welfare of young people.
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Emotionally resilient, patient, and able to work under pressure.
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Diplomatic with strong interpersonal skills for building inclusive relationships.