Assistant Principal

Harris Federation; Wickford; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual Loyalty Bonus

Teachers Pension Scheme

Wellbeing Cash Plan

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Harris Academy Wickford, part of the Harris Federation, seeks an ambitious Assistant Principal to lead strategic and operational management across the academy. You will work with the Senior Leadership Team to drive teaching, learning and curriculum development, ensuring the academy’s ethos and objectives are achieved.

You will foster a high performing culture, support staff through coaching and professional development, monitor outcomes and implement robust improvement plans.

Qualifications

• QTS (or equivalent) and a good undergraduate degree.
• Proven extensive teaching experience at high standards.
• Experience as Head of Department or SLT member.
• Evidence of lesson observations, feedback and improvement planning.
• Ability to write department SEFs.
• Proven track record of raising student achievement.
• Strong relationships with students, parents, staff and Governing Body.
• Experience leading change in teaching practices.

Responsibilities

• Create a true learning institution at all levels.
• Lead aims, vision and shared objectives.
• Ensure high quality teaching across the academy.
• Utilise data to drive learning and assessment.
• Coordinate staff and drive professional development.
• Support staff in improving intervention programmes.

Skills

QTS / Equivalent

Extensive teaching

Outstanding teaching

SLT/Head of Dept experience

SEF writing

Observations & feedback

Improvement planning

Raise achievement strategies

Stakeholder relationships

Change leadership

Education

Undergraduate degree

QTS or equivalent

Job description

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

We are looking for an outstanding leader to join us as Assistant Principal, supporting the strategic and operational management, development and leadership of Harris Academy Wickford, and ensuring the achievement of our ethos, aims and objectives.

WORKING WITH US

Harris Academy Wickford is on an exciting journey to help our fantastic young people harness their potential, achieve extraordinary results and change the world. The Academy joined the Harris Federation in September 2026. The Harris Federation is the most successful large multi-academy trust in the UK and the only large trust where disadvantaged students outperform non disadvantaged students nationally. We are a group of highly ambitious, committed staff who believe in the transformative power of education. Our collective vision is to help our scholars achieve their extraordinary and change the world. Our mission is to become the best school in Essex by 2030. Our values of Hard Work, Ambition, Wisdom and Kindness underpin everything we do.

To learn more about the culture and ethos of our academy , our impact within the community and what we can offer you, view our academy page via the “why work at” button.

MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Your responsibilities will include:

• To create a true learning institution in the academy at all levels
• To play a major role in formulating the aims, objectives and shared vision of the academy
• To lead the development and maintenance of a high quality positive learning environment
• To take full responsibility for all aspects of teaching and learning in your key area of responsibility
• To ensure high quality teaching across the academy
• To work with colleagues to ensure data is used effectively and consistently
• To work with the SLT to lead the assessment and reporting programme
• To support staff in making sure high quality intervention programmes are in place
• To support colleagues and subject leaders in developing schemes of learning
• With the SLT, to develop strategies to enhance teachers' ability to learn and to develop advanced teaching skills
• To raise students' aspirations and achievement
• To ensure the highest standards of achievement for all students
• To ensure the entitlement of all students to have equal access to and participation in all aspects of the curriculum.
• To ensure the efficient and effective provision of cross curricular skills, knowledge and understanding
• To identify and monitor successful learning outcomes
• To monitor, review and evaluate teaching and learning and classroom practice
• To maintain an informed view of standards and of the quality of teaching across the academy
• To challenge under-performance at all levels and throughout all departments
• To establish, and maintain, the highest possible standards of behaviour, learning and attainment
• To demonstrate and articulate high expectations and set aspirational targets
• To act as a role model in the provision of high quality learning, teaching and assessment
• To coordinate the activities of staff
• To lead and manage staff in an appropriate manner
• To assist in the implementation of effective procedures to support teachers who are underperforming
• To maintain high morale amongst staff and set an example of professional standards and leadership
• To contribute to the recruitment, training, deployment and professional development of staff
• To promote and sustain effective management of the Academy environment
• To provide information about the work and performance of staff
• To chair meetings

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We would like to hear from you if you have:

• QTS (or equivalent) and a good undergraduate degree
• Extensive teaching experience
• Outstanding teaching practice
• Successful management experience as Head of Department or member of the SLT
• Experience of writing department SEF
• Experience of lesson observations and giving feedback
• Experience of improvement planning
• Experience of implementing a range of strategies to raise student achievement, with evidence of success
• Contribution to impact on the quality of learning and teaching and curriculum
• Experience of developing and sustaining positive relationships with students, parents, staff and the Governing Body to build consensus support and capacity
• Proven track record of managing and implementing change in relation to teaching practices and standards
• A track record of success in leadership and management

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

With Harris, you will join a large network of likeminded senior leaders and have opportunities to learn from colleagues who are some of the best senior leaders in the country.Our senior leaders can benefit from tailored professional development programmes via the Harris Institute of Teaching and Leadership which will enable you to develop your pedagogy, leadership skills and drive school improvement.

Supported by experienced mentors, you can access national professionalqualifications and draw on expert knowledge from dedicated subject consultantswho offer invaluable subject and curriculum insight.

Flexible Working

We are committed to fostering a positive and supportive working environment for our staff, recognising that achieving a balance between professional and personal responsibilities is essential. We understand that each individual's circumstances are unique, which is why we offer flexible working options that can be adapted to meet the needs of both the academy and our employees.

In addition to the opportunities for career development and progression, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes an Annual Loyalty Bonus , Teachers Pension Scheme, a Wellbeing Cash Plan, Employee Assistance Programme, and many other benefits. Learn more aboutour benefits on our website.

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.