DescriptionSupporting documentsEmployerLocation
Salary: Outer London Leadership Pay Scale L21- L27 (£85,396 - £98,280)
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Location: The Skills Hub, Falling Lane, West Drayton, UB7 8AB
The Skills Hub is a co-educational Alternative Provision in the London Borough of Hillingdon that supports students who are unable to attend mainstream school for various reasons. Rated ‘Good’ in all areas by Ofsted in March 2025, The Skills Hub currently offers placements for students aged 5–19, many of whom have faced, or are at risk of facing permanent exclusion.
The Skills Hub achieved the Trauma Informed and Mentally Healthy Aware Award following an inspection visit at the end of 2023. A trauma informed school is one that is able to support children and teenagers who suffer with trauma or mental health problems and whose behaviours of concern acts as a barrier to learning.
We are proud to be based in a brand new, purpose-built school, offering a fresh, supportive environment tailored to meet the diverse needs of our students to help them thrive as well as providing excellent spaces for staff.
Staff at The Skills Hub take great pride in working with our young people, helping them either reintegrate into mainstream schools or prepare for the world of work, further education, or training.
We are seeking an experienced, visionary, and empathetic Principal to lead The Skills Hub. This role is an exciting opportunity to make a profound impact on students’ lives by fostering an environment where their individual needs are met and celebrated. The successful candidate will drive our mission forward, championing a positive culture for students and staff, enhancing educational programs, and working closely with families, the local community, and external partners.
Responsibilities:
•Lead and inspire a team of dedicated staff, promoting professional growth and high standards of practice
•Ensure a student-centred approach, where everyone’s needs are met through tailored support
•Oversee the strategic development of the curriculum to promote academic achievement, personal growth, and life skills
•Strengthen relationships with parents, carers, and the wider community, ensuring all stakeholders are engaged and supportive of the academy’s mission
•Act as an advocate for students with special educational needs, promoting awareness, understanding, and best practices
•Manage resources effectively, ensuring the best possible provision for our students while maintaining a safe and inclusive environment
•Drive continuous improvement, using data and feedback to inform future strategies, goals, and development initiatives
Requirements:
•Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a substantial track record in a senior leadership role
•Experience of working with young people with special educational needs and / or challenging behaviour
•Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop a diverse team
•A strategic mindset, with the ability to balance the academy’s educational vision with the operational demands of school leadership
The ideal candidate will be a confident and compassionate leader with a strong background in alternative provision and special education, preferably with experience supporting young people with behaviours of concern. They will possess a deep understanding of the complexities and opportunities within the field and be dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive school environment where every student can thrive.
The Trust:
The Skills Hub is part of Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust. We are a family of specialist education providers from pre-school through to further education across London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire and fully represent all designations of special education needs and disabilities (SEND). To find out more about us, and what makes us a special place to work please visit our website.
We are committed to promoting and advancing equality of opportunity by attracting and retaining the most diverse range of students, staff and partners.
Working together to transform lives is what we do and across the whole organisation we have a range of experts and practitioners who advocate for children and young people with SEND to ensure they receive the best possible opportunities to achieve their full potential.
Rewards & Benefits:
•Comprehensive training and development
•Opportunities to engage with internal professional networks
•Access to counselling advice and support via Health Assured (our employee assistance programme)
•Commitment to wellbeing supported by our occupational health service and mental-health first aiders
•Generous annual leave and flexible working schemes in addition to bank and public holidays and a Christmas closure period
•As part of your contract of employment you will enrolled into the Teachers Pension Scheme (TPS) which has life cover and financial protection for your family
•Enhanced parental leave schemes
•Cycle to work scheme
•Season ticket loans
•Employee referral scheme
•Discounted gym membership subscription including digital fitness
•Home electronics scheme
To apply for this role, please click ‘Fast Apply’, you will then be directed to a ‘Login’ page, once signed in please complete and submit the Application Form.
Please see the attached job description and person specification for full details on the role and the skills, experience and knowledge we are looking for.
Your application form will be scored according to each of the requirements laid out in the person specification for this role. Please demonstrate in your statement how your experience, skills and
knowledge match the criteria that are required for the role.
Please note that CV applications cannot be considered.
Closing date: 15th September 2025
Interview date: Wednesday 24th & Thursday 25th September 2025
Safeguarding Statement
Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Appointments made will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.
Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for all.