Associate Principal - The Laurel Academy

The Laurel Academy; Doncaster; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Doncaster is seeking an Associate Principal to provide leadership and strategic direction. This full-time role involves developing high-quality teaching, ensuring high standards and expectations, and mentoring senior leaders. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills and a commitment to creating a supportive and empowering environment for students and staff. Join an ambitious team dedicated to making a meaningful difference in education.

Benefits

Membership to the Teachers' Pension Scheme

Technology and Vehicle Leasing Schemes

Access to online GP services

Gym and fitness discounts

Industry-leading Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Skills in leadership and strategic direction in an educational setting.
• Experience in providing high-quality teaching and learning.
• Proven ability to foster collaborative links with educational institutions.

Responsibilities

• Work with Principals to provide high-quality strategic leadership.
• Ensure high standards and expectations for all students and staff.
• Mentor senior leaders and model effective practices.

Job description

Overview

The Laurel Academy are looking to appoint an Associate Principal to join our academy in January 2026 or later if preferred, on a full time, permanent basis.

These provisional results demonstrate exceptional outcomes: 60% of students achieved Grade 5+ in English and Maths (14% above the national average); 83% achieved Grade 4+ in English and Maths (18% above the national average); 28% achieved Grade 7+ in English Language (19% above the national average). These figures are provisional and subject to final confirmation. These outcomes reflect the dedication of staff, the ambition of students, and the strength of the local community.

We will consider job applicants who have a criminal record based on their skills, abilities, experience, knowledge and, where needed, qualifications and training. However, our approach depends on the job, and whether it is covered by, or exempt from, the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Disability Confident: About Disability Confident. A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. In certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to .

Responsibilities

As an Associate Principal, you will work with Principals and Executive Principals to provide leadership and strategic direction to any academy within the Trust as specified by the CEO by ensuring the provision of high quality teaching and learning; high standards and high expectations of students, staff and the community; developing collaborative links with other academies, schools and the wider education community; and providing a mentoring role for senior leaders and modelling outstanding practice at all times. This role would suit an aspiring Vice Principal looking to take the next step in their career. The Laurel Academy is a thriving 11-16 school with 800 pupils, proudly serving the town of Mexborough and its surrounding communities. With a rich heritage dating back to 1904, the Academy has long been a cornerstone of local education and is home to a legacy of excellence – including notable alumni such as Poet Laureate Ted Hughes.

In 2024/25, The Laurel Academy achieved its best-ever academic results, based on provisional data, placing it as the highest performing school in Doncaster. Mexborough is a proud ex-mining town with a strong sense of identity and resilience. Visitors to The Laurel Academy consistently comment on the excellent behaviour and conduct of the pupils, as well as the warm, welcoming, and caring ethos that permeates the school. The Academy is deeply committed to nurturing every child, ensuring they feel safe, supported, and empowered to succeed. In April 2023, Ofsted rated The Laurel Academy "Good" in all areas, recognising the school's commitment to high standards and continuous improvement. The Trust is proud to have The Laurel Academy as part of its family of schools – a place where staff can thrive professionally and make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.

If you feel you have the necessary skills and experience required for this position then we would very much like to hear from you. You will be joining an ambitious, committed and hardworking team who are passionate about the difference we can make to our young people, staff, families and the wider community. The Trust is committed to safeguarding the welfare of its students and the successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service certificate and checks of the relevant barred list / prohibition lists.

Benefits

This is a fantastic opportunity to join an outstanding team within a high performing multi academy trust with exciting career prospects for successful applicants. As a Trust, we have developed an extensive range of employee benefits that focus on your Financial, Physical and Mental Wellbeing. Here are just a few examples in each area…

• Financial Wellbeing:
• Membership to either the Teachers' Pension Scheme or the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Technology scheme and Vehicle Leasing Scheme
• Access to an extensive discounts platform

• Physical Wellbeing:
• 24/7 access to an online GP or Advanced Nurse Practitioner for you & your household
• Gym & fitness discounts
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Free annual flu jab

• Mental Wellbeing:
• Access to an industry leading Employee Assistance Programme
• Menopause Support Service
• Trained Mental Health First Aiders in all our settings
• Subject to ensuring NMW is maintained