Assistant Principal at Cottenham Village College

Cottenham Village College; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Cottenham Village College is seeking an exceptional Assistant Principal to join its Senior Leadership Team and drive high standards in teaching, learning and behaviour. The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on classroom excellence, coaching and mentoring colleagues to build a culture where every teacher thrives and every scholar succeeds.

You will contribute to shaping the academy's future, work across priorities, and lead improvements with data-driven approaches while upholding

Qualifications

• Proven track record as an outstanding classroom practitioner with strong pupil outcomes.
• Experience of successful middle or senior leadership in a school setting.
• Ability to inspire, motivate and develop staff to achieve their best.
• Strong analytical skills with data to drive improvement.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with families, colleagues and external partners.
• Confidence to have courageous conversations with professionalism and integrity.
• Outstanding communication, including delivery of staff training.
• Excellent organisational skills to lead school priorities.
• High resilience, determination and professional credibility.
• Strong work ethic and commitment to a no-excuses culture supporting scholar success.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and contribute to ongoing development and improvement of the academy.
• Lead and monitor teaching, learning and assessment across the school.
• Drive improvements in classroom practice through coaching and professional development.
• Deliver high-quality CPD to inspire colleagues at all career stages.
• Lead whole-school improvement projects and evaluate impact on scholar outcomes.
• Support implementation of academy priorities across the school.
• Promote a culture of excellence, high expectations and continuous improvement.
• Contribute to staffing, resources, curriculum and improvement planning discussions.
• Build strong relationships with scholars, families and external agencies.
• Champion high standards of behaviour, attendance, safeguarding and pastoral care.
• Ensure safeguarding and Prevent responsibilities are fully integrated into policies and practice.
• Lead by example as an outstanding classroom practitioner and visible senior leader.

Skills

Leadership experience

Data analysis

Staff development

Communication

Behaviour management

Strategic planning

Collaboration

Education

Qualified Teacher Status

Job description

About this Role

Assistant Principal - Cottenham Village College

Shape Excellence. Inspire Others. Lead with Impact.

Salary: Leadership Scale L11-L15

Contract: Full Time, Permanent

Start Date: January 2027

Cottenham Village College is seeking to appoint an exceptional Assistant Principal to join our ambitious and forward-thinking Senior Leadership Team. This is an exciting opportunity for an outstanding teacher and proven leader who is passionate about delivering exceptional educational experiences and driving the highest standards of teaching, learning and behaviour.

We are looking for a committed and talented leader who excels in the classroom and is equally passionate about developing others. You will play a key role in supporting colleagues across the academy through coaching, mentoring, challenge and professional development, helping to build a culture where every teacher can thrive and every scholar can succeed.

As part of Astrea Academy Trust, Cottenham Village College is committed to providing an exceptional education that enables every scholar to achieve their full potential. We are driven by high expectations, strong values and an unwavering belief that all young people deserve the very best opportunities in life. Our staff are united by a culture of collaboration, professional growth and a relentless focus on improving outcomes for every scholar.

The Role

As Assistant Principal, you will contribute strategically to the leadership and development of the academy, helping to shape its future direction and ensure excellence across all areas of school life.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and contribute to the ongoing development and improvement of the academy.
• Lead and support the monitoring and evaluation of teaching, learning and assessment across the school.
• Drive improvements in classroom practice through coaching, mentoring and professional development.
• Deliver high-quality CPD that inspires and develops colleagues at all career stages.
• Lead whole-school improvement projects and evaluate their impact on scholar outcomes.
• Support the implementation of academy priorities and ensure they become embedded across the school.
• Promote a culture of excellence, high expectations and continuous improvement.
• Contribute to leadership discussions around staffing, resources, curriculum and academy improvement planning.
• Build strong relationships with scholars, families and external agencies to support positive outcomes.
• Champion high standards of behaviour, attendance, safeguarding and pastoral care.
• Ensure safeguarding and Prevent responsibilities are fully integrated into academy policies and practice.
• Lead by example as an outstanding classroom practitioner and visible senior leader.

What We're Looking For

We are seeking an ambitious and resilient leader who is ready to make a significant impact on the lives of our scholars and staff.

The successful candidate will have:

• A proven track record as an outstanding classroom practitioner with strong pupil outcomes.
• Experience of successful middle or senior leadership in a school setting.
• The ability to inspire, motivate and develop staff to achieve their very best.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to interpret and use data to drive improvement.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a proven ability to build positive relationships with families, colleagues and external professionals.
• Confidence to hold courageous conversations and tackle challenges with professionalism and integrity.
• Outstanding communication skills, including experience of delivering effective staff training and development.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to lead whole-school priorities from planning through to impact.
• High levels of resilience, determination and professional credibility.
• A strong work ethic and a genuine commitment to a "no excuses" culture where every scholar can succeed.

Why Join Us?

At Cottenham Village College, you will join a passionate team dedicated to transforming life chances through education. You'll benefit from extensive professional development opportunities, collaboration across Astrea Academy Trust and the opportunity to make a lasting impact within a thriving and ambitious school community.

Commitment to Safeguarding and EDI:

Astrea Academy Trust is committedto safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Allappointments are subject to satisfactory background checks, includingreferences and an enhanced DBS check. We value diversity and welcome applicationsfrom underrepresented groups. As a Disability Confident employer, we providereasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to ensure allcandidates can fully demonstrate their abilities.

In line with Part 7 of theImmigration Act 2016 and the statutory Code of Practice, the Trust requires allpublic-facing post holders to demonstrate fluent English. Within a schoolsetting, this applies to all roles that involve direct or indirect interactionwith pupils, parents, or members of the public.

Flexible Interview Dates:

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, so don't miss out onthis exciting opportunity. Please note that interview dates are flexible, andthe academy reserves the right to interview shortlisted candidates during theapplication window.