Assistant Principal (Maternity Cover) (Thetford)

Inspiration Trust; Tetford; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational trust in the UK is seeking an exceptional leader with EYFS experience for the role of Assistant Principal (Maternity Cover). This position at Queensway Infant and Junior Schools offers competitive salary on the Leadership Pay Scale. Candidates will be responsible for ensuring high educational standards, leading staff development, and fostering an environment of exceptional teaching. The role includes numerous benefits and opportunities for professional growth. Applications close on 15th December 2025.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement

Teachers’ Pension Schemes

Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle-to-work scheme

Retail Benefits

Free parking

Qualifications

• Must have a strong track record of impact and high performance against whole school priorities.
• Experience in leading, motivating, and supporting staff to achieve high standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead on ensuring the highest possible educational standards.
• Create a culture of exceptional teaching and an environment that nurtures development.
• Support ECTs on their journey to becoming exceptional practitioners.
• Develop programs for support staff to ensure every adult is an exceptional educator.

Skills

EYFS experience

Effective middle leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Strong classroom teaching

Motivating and supporting staff

Education

Appropriate degree and Qualified Teacher Status

Job description

Salary: Leadership Pay Scale Points 3-5 (£54,394 - £57,137 per annum)

Fixed Term: until 31st March 2027

Start Date: April 2026

We are seeking an exceptional leader with EYFS experience to join our ambitious and highly collaborative Senior Leadership Team as Assistant Principal (Maternity Cover) at Queensway Infant Academy and Queensway Junior School.

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to a school that is firmly on a path of rapid improvement. We are committed to raising standards and delivering an excellent education for every child, and we are looking for a leader who shares our passion and drive to make a lasting impact.

The successful candidate will be inspired by our vision: to nurture resilient, independent learners who are confident, creative, and valued. Our children benefit from a rich curriculum and a wide range of experiences beyond the classroom, helping them to thrive both academically and personally.

We Offer

• A personalised CPD programme tailored to your development
• A structured and well-regarded induction process
• Opportunities to shape and influence whole‑school improvement
• A culture of collaboration and shared ambition

Responsibilities

• Leading on ensuring the highest possible educational standards.
• Creating a culture of exceptional teaching and an environment that nurtures development.
• Supporting ECTs on their journey to becoming exceptional practitioners.
• Leading professional development, making teaching and learning the key driver of improvement.
• Developing and leading programmes for support staff to ensure every adult is an exceptional educator.
• Being a role model for other staff as a brilliant practitioner, coach and mentor.

Qualifications

• An appropriate degree and Qualified Teacher Status
• A very strong track record of impact and high performance, ideally against whole school priorities
• Experience of effective middle leadership
• Strong classroom teacher and EYFS experience
• Good stakeholder engagement and management experience, including pupils, parents/carers and staff
• Experience leading, motivating and supporting staff to achieve high standards

Queensway Infant and Junior Academies cater for children from Reception to Year 6 across the campus and are committed to raising standards and delivering an excellent education for every child.

The schools provide a safe and secure environment, both indoors and outdoors, where children can explore and learn through a wide variety of stimulating play experiences. With high aspirations for every child, we deliver a carefully sequenced academic curriculum that supports excellent learning and progress. Alongside this, our comprehensive pastoral and SEND support ensures that all children receive a high‑quality education, enjoy their time at school, and achieve their full potential.

We also value the whole‑school experience, offering a wide range of extracurricular activities, from sports to debating and musical opportunities. Queensway Academies are an exceptional place where pupils can build the foundation blocks for a successful future.

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.

Queensway Academies joined the Inspiration Trust family in May 2023. The school has not had an Ofsted Inspection since joining the trust.

Benefits

• Generous holiday entitlement
• Teachers’ Pension Schemes with generous employer contributions
• Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme giving access to a range of services including claim‑back costs for Eye Care and prescriptions and access to 24/7 virtual GP Service and mental health support (Terms and conditions and restrictions apply).
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme
• Retail Benefits offering discounts with many shops and suppliers
• Corporate membership of the Norwich Theatre Royal
• Salary sacrifice schemes, including home technology, smartphones and healthcare plans, including Dental insurance and Gym membership discounts (Terms and conditions and restrictions apply).
• Free Parking (on most sites)
• *Some benefits are only available following successfully passing probation

If you would like to know more about this exciting opportunity, then please contact Kate Sparrow, PA to Principal ([e-mail]).

Closing date for applications: 12pm on Monday 15th December 2025

Interview date: Wednesday 7th January 2026

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.