Assistant Principal (Teaching and Learning) (Norwich)

Inspiration Trust; Norwich; On-site; GBP 67,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Norwich is seeking an Assistant Principal for Teaching and Learning. The ideal candidate will have a strong teaching background, demonstrated leadership capability, and a vision to enhance educational quality. This role involves overseeing curriculum development, leading professional development initiatives, and collaborating with staff to boost student outcomes. Generous pay and benefits are offered, including a Health Plan and a structured CPD programme. Applications close on January 7, 2026.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Teachers' Pension Schemes

Health Plan

Cycle-to-work scheme

Personalized CPD programmes

Qualifications

• Proven track record of excellence in teaching and learning.
• Experience at a Middle Leadership level.
• Deep understanding of assessment practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of high-quality teaching and learning.
• Oversee professional development across the college.
• Conduct lesson observations and evaluate teaching quality.

Skills

Effective teaching strategies

Curriculum design

Communication

Mentoring skills

Strategic thinking

Team collaboration

Education

Appropriate degree

Qualified Teacher Status

Job description

Salary: Leadership Pay Scale Points 12 - 18 (£67,898 - £78,702 per annum). Start date: April 2026.

Jane Austen College is seeking to appoint an Assistant Principal with responsibility for Teaching and Learning.

Overview

We are looking for an exceptional classroom practitioner with a proven track record of excellence and a genuine passion for teaching and learning. In this role, you will lead the development and implementation of high‑quality teaching and learning across the college.

Key Responsibilities

• Overseeing whole‑school professional development
• Embedding effective pedagogical approaches tailored to the needs of our pupils
• Supporting trainee teachers and Early Career Teachers (ECTs)

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will play a pivotal role in evaluating and enhancing the quality of curriculum delivery and teaching through robust quality assurance processes.

Main Purpose of the role

• Develop and implement a clear vision for high‑quality teaching and learning across the college
• Align classroom practices with the school’s improvement plan and national standards
• Lead initiatives that promote innovative and evidence‑based teaching strategies
• Ensure the curriculum is broad, balanced, and meets statutory requirements
• Oversee curriculum planning, sequencing, and assessment to maximise pupil progress
• Support subject leaders in designing schemes of work that reflect best practice
• Conduct lesson observations, learning walks, and work scrutiny to evaluate teaching quality
• Design and deliver CPD programmes focused on pedagogy
• Mentor and support teachers, including Early Career Teachers (ECTs)

Qualifications and Experience

• An appropriate degree and Qualified Teacher Status
• Experience at a Middle Leadership level
• Deep understanding of effective teaching strategies, curriculum design, and assessment
• Ability to model and promote evidence‑based practices
• Capacity to articulate and drive a clear vision for teaching and learning
• Strategic thinking to align classroom practice with school improvement priorities
• Skilled in giving constructive feedback and supporting teacher development
• Ability to inspire and motivate staff to improve practice
• Clear, confident communicator with staff, students, and parents
• Ability to build strong relationships and foster collaboration
• Passion for professional learning and staying current with educational research
• Promotes a culture of high expectations and innovation

Desirable Qualifications

• NPQ in Leading Teaching or Leading Teacher Development
• Direct and successful experience of Ofsted inspection

Benefits

• 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 (including discounted 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 Jane Austen College

Jane Austen College opened in 2014 as a flagship free school of the Inspiration Trust, with a focus on English and Humanities. Since then, it has grown from serving just two year groups to become a full 1118 school of over 1,100 students.

In May 2024 the college was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in all inspection areas, including leadership, behaviour and sixth form provision. Inspectors noted that students benefit from “exceptional academic education, excellent pastoral support and a character curriculum building life skills to see them succeed in progressing to some of the top universities in the country and into prosperous careers.”

The college prides itself on ensuring that all students – regardless of background or disadvantage – have access to powerful knowledge and transformative extracurricular experiences, as well as strong mental health and wellbeing support.

We are part of the Inspiration Trust; a thriving family of schools across Norfolk and North Suffolk, recognised nationally for pupil progress and excellence in teaching and leadership. We believe every young person deserves the best education, regardless of background. Inspiration Trust specialises in transforming schools in disadvantaged areas and taking academies from failing to outstanding.

The Trust offers extensive networks and opportunities to collaborate with a diverse range of schools and partners. We are committed to delivering outstanding professional and learning opportunities for all staff, supported by a rich programme of continuing professional development led by some of the country’s leading educational thinkers and practitioners.

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

Closing date for applications: 9am on Wednesday 7th January 2026

Interview date: Thursday 15th January 2026

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.