Assistant Principal

Inspiration Trust Ltd; Watton; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS)

Health plan

Cycle-to-work scheme

Free parking

Induction programme

Job summary

Wayland Academy, part of Inspiration Trust, seeks an Assistant Principal to join the Senior Leadership Team and drive improvement across learning, behaviour and inclusion. You will shape strategic direction, develop high expectations, and support staff to deliver excellent teaching and outcomes for all pupils.

You will lead collaboration with SENDCo, Attendance Officer and safeguarding, building positive relationships with students, families and external partners while modelling outstanding

Qualifications

• A first degree or equivalent and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Proven experience as an effective classroom practitioner with high-quality teaching and learning.
• Experience of leadership within an educational setting and strategic planning.
• Ability to analyse and interpret performance data and set targets.
• Experience of leading, motivating and supporting colleagues to achieve high standards.
• Experience of implementing initiatives to improve education quality and addressing barriers.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and organisational skills.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and make informed decisions.
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and high expectations for all pupils.
• A commitment to ongoing professional development and leadership training.
• Postgraduate qualification or willingness to work towards one.
• Recognised leadership qualification or relevant specialist qualification.
• Experience of supporting improvements in pupil achievement, attendance, behaviour or inclusive practice.
• Experience of Ofsted inspection and school improvement processes.

Responsibilities

• Working with the Senior Leadership Team to support strategic leadership and continuous improvement.
• Contribute to development and implementation of school priorities and raise standards.
• Lead SEND and inclusion efforts to ensure pupils' needs are identified and addressed.
• Collaborate with SENDCo, Attendance Officer and Safeguarding Lead to promote best practice.
• Promote high standards of behaviour, attendance and pupil engagement across the Academy.
• Analyse school performance data to identify trends and inform priorities.
• Provide leadership, coaching and mentoring to colleagues and support professional development.
• Develop and deliver tutor programmes and personal development opportunities.
• Build partnerships with parents, carers and external agencies to support pupils.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion across all aspects of school life.
• Assist in school improvement planning, self-evaluation and quality assurance.
• Deputise for the Vice Principal and undertake line management as required.

Job description

Location: Wayland Academy, Merton Rd, Watton, Thetford, IP25 6BA

Full Time, Permanent

Start Date: January 2027

Wayland Academy is seeking to appoint an Assistant Principal to join our Senior Leadership Team at an exciting time in the school's development. This is an opportunity to join a dedicated team committed to ensuring that all students develop the knowledge, skills and character they need to lead great lives.

We are looking for an ambitious, motivated and inspiring leader who shares our belief that every student deserves an excellent education, the opportunity to succeed and the support they need to fulfil their potential. A key part of this role will be working with colleagues across the Academy to strengthen provision and outcomes in SEND and inclusion, attendance and behaviour, helping to create an environment where every student can engage positively with learning and thrive.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will contribute to the strategic direction and ongoing development of the Academy, working collaboratively to raise standards, improve the quality of education and ensure consistently high expectations across the school.

The successful candidate will be passionate about our vision of creating a truly academic school and embrace our ethos of genuine mutual respect. You will combine strong strategic leadership with a visible presence around the Academy, building positive relationships with students, staff, parents and carers, and external partners.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Working collaboratively with the Senior Leadership Team to support the strategic leadership, development and continuous improvement of the Academy.
• Contributing to the development and implementation of school priorities, promoting high standards of teaching, learning, behaviour, attendance and pupil outcomes.
• Supporting the development of effective approaches to SEND and inclusion, ensuring that pupils' individual needs are identified and addressed so that all students can participate fully in school life and access high-quality learning.
• Working with colleagues, including the SENDCo, Attendance Officer and Safeguarding Lead, to promote consistent practice, address barriers to learning and secure positive outcomes for pupils.
• Supporting high standards of behaviour, engagement and attendance across the Academy, working with staff, pupils and families to encourage positive attitudes to learning and a strong sense of belonging.
• Analysing school performance data, identifying trends and areas for development, and using evidence to inform improvement priorities and evaluate the impact of interventions.
• Providing effective leadership, coaching and mentoring to colleagues, supporting professional development and promoting high standards of practice.
• Contributing to the development and delivery of the tutor programme and wider personal development opportunities for pupils.
• Developing positive partnerships with parents, carers, external agencies and other stakeholders to support pupils and strengthen the work of the Academy.
• Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion across all aspects of school life, ensuring that every pupil is valued, supported and challenged to achieve their best.
• Contributing to school improvement planning, self-evaluation and quality assurance, ensuring that the Academy continues to develop and improve.
• Deputising for the Vice Principal in their absence, as required, and undertaking line management responsibilities as directed.

The precise areas of responsibility will be agreed in line with the needs and priorities of the Academy, offering the successful candidate the opportunity to contribute across a broad range of school leadership and improvement activities.

About You

We are looking for an outstanding teacher and aspiring or experienced senior leader who is passionate about improving the life chances of young people. You will have the vision, determination and professional expertise to contribute to the continued development of Wayland Academy, helping to establish a culture of high expectations, strong relationships and academic ambition.

You will understand the importance of ensuring that SEND and inclusion, attendance and behaviour work together to support successful learning. You will recognise that pupils may face a range of barriers to engagement and achievement, and will be committed to working collaboratively with colleagues, families and external partners to identify and address these effectively.

You will be an effective and reflective leader, able to analyse information, identify priorities and translate strategic plans into practical improvements. You will use evidence and professional judgement to evaluate impact, challenge underperformance constructively and ensure that decisions lead to better experiences and outcomes for pupils.

As a confident communicator and role model, you will be able to build trust, motivate colleagues and develop effective teams. You will have the resilience to manage competing priorities, the flexibility to respond to the changing needs of the Academy and the ambition to continue developing your own leadership practice.

Above all, you will share our belief that every pupil deserves the highest quality education, regardless of their individual circumstances, and that all pupils should be supported and challenged to achieve their full potential.

• A first degree or equivalent and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• Proven experience as an effective classroom practitioner, with a strong understanding of high-quality teaching and learning.
• Experience of leadership within an educational setting and the ability to contribute to strategic planning and school improvement.
• The ability to analyse and interpret performance data, establish priorities and set challenging targets to improve pupil achievement and outcomes.
• Experience of leading, motivating and supporting colleagues to achieve high standards and improve professional practice.
• The ability to develop and implement initiatives that improve the quality of education and address barriers to pupil engagement, progress and achievement.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and organisational skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with pupils, staff, parents, carers and external partners.
• The ability to manage competing priorities, make well-informed decisions and respond effectively to challenges.
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, with a clear belief in the potential of every pupil.
• A commitment to ongoing professional development and a willingness to undertake relevant leadership training.
• A postgraduate qualification or a willingness to work towards one.
• A recognised leadership qualification or relevant specialist qualification.
• Experience of supporting improvements in pupil achievement, attendance, behaviour or inclusive practice.
• Experience of Ofsted inspection and school improvement processes.

Why Join Inspiration Trust

At Inspiration Trust, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. You’ll be joining a supportive, forward-thinking organisation that values professional development, collaboration, and innovation. We provide opportunities for growth and empower you to make a real impact in schools across Norfolk and north Suffolk. As part of our thriving network of talented teachers, leaders, and support staff, you’ll receive a varied professional development programme designed to help you be the best you can be.

We offer:

• Generous annual leave , and access to the Teachers' Pension Schemes (TPS) with excellent employer contributions
• Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme , including 24/7 virtual GP access, mental health support and claim-back options for healthcare costs *
• Cycle-to-work scheme, retail and theatre discounts (includingdiscounted shopping vouchers, dentist and gym memberships), and salary sacrifice options (including home technology). *
• Free parking at most sites
• Personalised CPD and development programmes
• A structured and specific induction programme.

* Terms and conditions apply. Some benefits are only available following successfully passing probation.

About Us

Wayland Academy is an oversubscribed, high-performing secondary school at the heart of Norfolk, known for its positive atmosphere and low staff turnover. In 2025, 64% of students achieved grades 9-5 in English and Mathematics, and the school achieved a Progress 8 score of +0.61 in 2024, positioning it among the highest-performing secondary schools in Norfolk and Suffolk.

At Wayland Academy, staff believe that every student is entitled to the highest-quality education, unlocking their potential for excellent grades and a future of their choice. Our curriculum vision reflects the Academy’s role in the community, promotes understanding and enrichment, and prioritises students’ reading, vocabulary, and fluency in both spoken and written language. We take both learning and pastoral care seriously, ensuring that our students leave confident, capable, and ready to thrive in the wider world.

We are part of the Inspiration Trust, twice ranked as the country’s top family of comprehensive schools for pupil progress, and strongly believe in the importance of giving the widest educational opportunities to all young people, regardless of their background. We have strong networks across the Trust, with opportunities to work with a diverse range of schools and partners. We are committed to offering excellent professional and learning opportunities for our staff, with a busy programme of continuing professional development courses delivered by some of the country’s best educational thinkers and practitioners.

The Inspiration Trust is a Multi Academy Trust, committed to delivering the very best educational experience for the young people of Norfolk and Suffolk, across 17 schools. We are ambitious for our schools and communities and want to create Britain’s highest performing federation of 3-19 schools and transform education in the East. Inspiration Trust specialises in transforming schools in disadvantaged areas and taking academies from failing to outstanding.

For information on what it is like to live and work in Watton, click here . The most recent Ofsted inspection in July 2023 gave Wayland Academy an overall grade of ‘Good'. “School and Trust leaders form a strong and cohesive team which has driven, and continues to secure, school improvement.”

Closing date for applications: 11:59pm on Tuesday 13th October 2026

Interview date: Friday 16th October 2026 (This date is fixed and alternatives cannot be offered)

Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities

Inspiration Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All staff appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks. We are an equal opportunities employer.