Assistant Principal - Curriculum Lead (STEM)

Arco; Greater London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An independent alternative provision school in London is looking for an Assistant Principal - Curriculum Lead (STEM). The role involves leadership in curriculum design and implementation with a focus on STEM subjects, ensuring high-quality education and assessment practices. Candidates should possess Qualified Teacher Status and significant teaching experience in STEM. The position promotes an inclusive learning environment and involves mentoring staff while contributing to school improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

• Significant experience teaching within a STEM subject.
• Proven experience of curriculum leadership or middle/senior leadership.
• Strong understanding of curriculum design and assessment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of the academy-wide curriculum.
• Monitor and evaluate the quality of teaching and learning.
• Model high standards of teaching and support staff development.

Skills

Curriculum leadership

STEM subject knowledge

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent

Job description

About Arco Academy

Arco Academy is a registered independent alternative provision school with sports as a specialism. In the heart of Camberwell, London, Arco Academy educates students referred by mainstream schools and the Local Authority. We emphasise pastoral care and take a holistic approach towards education. We aim to enhance the academic, well‑being, and personal growth of all students of all abilities. We are committed to high‑quality education and promoting our vision to unleash the potential in all our students by providing a creative and tailor‑made curriculum. Every student is given the opportunity to learn, achieve, and succeed to their highest potential. Consequently, we work diligently towards meeting the learning needs of our students. This includes encouraging sports participation, developing essential life skills, and nurturing positive relationships within the school and the wider community. We believe all staff members play a vital role in the lives of our students. Therefore, we take a proactive approach to the development and well‑being of all Arco staff. We are committed to investing in all staff through CPD, internal support, and well‑being initiatives. We pride ourselves on appreciating, promoting, and celebrating the diversity and individuality of all students, staff, and partners. Arco Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All positions are subject to an enhanced DBS and other necessary checks. For further information regarding Arco Academy policies, visit https://www.arco.academy/Policies/. Please ensure you have read the Safeguarding (Child Protection) Policy and Safer Recruitment Policy.

Purpose

The Assistant Principal - Curriculum Lead (STEM) will provide strategic and operational leadership of the academy's curriculum, with a specific focus on STEM provision across two specialist subjects. The post holder will be responsible for ensuring a high‑quality, coherent, ambitious, and inclusive curriculum that enables all learners to achieve strong outcomes, develop technical competence, and progress successfully into further education, employment, or training. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Assistant Principal will contribute to whole‑school leadership, culture, and continuous improvement, modelling excellent teaching, learning, and professional practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Curriculum Leadership: Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of the academy‑wide curriculum, ensuring alignment with statutory requirements, awarding body specifications, and the academy's vision.
• Act as Curriculum Lead for STEM, with specialist leadership across two STEM subjects (e.g. Science, Mathematics, Engineering, Computing or Technology).
• Ensure curriculum sequencing supports progression of knowledge, skills, and behaviours over time.
• Champion innovation in curriculum design, including applied, project‑based, and employer‑informed learning.
• Quality of Education: Monitor and evaluate the quality of teaching, learning, and assessment across STEM and wider curriculum areas.
• Use data, learner voice, and work scrutiny to drive curriculum improvement and close gaps in achievement.
• Support subject leaders and teachers to develop curriculum intent, implementation, and impact.
• Ensure high‑quality assessment practices, including internal verification and moderation where required.
• Teaching & Learning: Model consistently high standards of teaching and learning.
• Teach within STEM specialism as required.
• Support staff development through coaching, mentoring, and targeted CPD.
• Promote inclusive practice and high expectations for all learners, including those with SEND and disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Internal Verification & Compliance: Act as Internal Verifier (IV) for Pearson qualifications, ensuring compliance with awarding body standards.
• Support quality assurance processes, audits, and external verification visits.
• Ensure accurate documentation, standardisation, and assessment integrity.
• Enrichment & Wider Curriculum: Lead or contribute to enrichment programmes, including STEM clubs, projects, competitions, and employer engagement.
• Support delivery of assemblies, themed curriculum events, and cross‑curricular initiatives.
• Contribute to curriculum areas such as food, cinematography, or creative STEM where appropriate.
• Leadership & Culture: Deputise for the Principal as required.
• Contribute to strategic planning, self‑evaluation, and school improvement planning.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Build strong relationships with learners, staff, parents/carers, employers, and external partners.

What We Are Looking For

Essential

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent.
• Significant experience teaching within a STEM subject, with strong subject knowledge in two STEM disciplines.
• Proven experience of curriculum leadership or middle/senior leadership.
• Strong understanding of curriculum design, assessment, and quality assurance.
• Experience of Pearson or vocational qualifications (or willingness to train).
• Ability to inspire, motivate, and develop staff.
• Strong organisational, analytical, and communication skills.

Desirable

• Experience as an Internal Verifier (IV).
• Leadership experience within alternative, vocational, or technical education settings.
• Experience of employer engagement or applied STEM learning.
• Evidence of leading curriculum improvement with measurable impact.

Personal Attributes

• Visionary and forward‑thinking curriculum leader.
• Committed to equity, inclusion, and learner success.
• Resilient, adaptable, and solution‑focused.
• Collaborative and values‑driven, with high professional integrity.