Associate Principal - The Laurel Academy

Delta Academies Trust; Mexborough; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A multi-academy trust is seeking an Associate Principal to lead educational excellence and strategic direction starting January 2026. Ideal for aspiring Vice Principals, this role emphasizes quality teaching and mentorship within the academy network. The position offers a path for professional growth in a supportive educational environment.

Benefits

Membership to Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme

Technology scheme and Vehicle Leasing Scheme

24/7 access to online GP for you and your household

Gym & fitness discounts

Access to Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• This role would suit an aspiring Vice Principal looking to take the next step in their career.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and strategic direction to any academy within the Trust as specified by the CEO.
• Ensure provision of high quality teaching and learning.
• Develop collaborative links with other academies, schools and the wider education community.
• Mentor senior leaders and model outstanding practice.
• Collaborate with Principals and Executive Principals to support school improvement.

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.

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.

About The Laurel Academy

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:

• 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

Note: These figures are provisional and subject to final confirmation. These outcomes reflect the dedication of staff, ambition of students, and the strength of the local community.

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 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.

In April 2023 Ofsted rated our school ‘Good’ in all areas.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and strategic direction to any academy within the Trust as specified by the CEO.
• Ensure provision of high quality teaching and learning, with high standards and high expectations of students, staff and the community.
• Develop collaborative links with other academies, schools and the wider education community.
• Mentor senior leaders and model outstanding practice at all times.
• Collaborate with Principals and Executive Principals to support school improvement across the Trust.

Requirements / Qualifications

• This role would suit an aspiring Vice Principal looking to take the next step in their career.

Why join us?

This is a fantastic opportunity to join an outstanding team within a high performing multi academy trust with exciting career prospects for successful applicants.

Employee Benefits

As a Trust, we have developed an extensive range of employee benefits that focus on 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

How to apply

For more information and to apply for this position please visit our website at https://www.deltatrust.org.uk/careers-with-delta/

Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities

In accordance with DfE Keeping Children Safe in Education, an online search will be completed on all shortlisted applicants prior to interview. Any relevant information will be discussed further with the applicant during the recruitment process. 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. Delta Academies Trust undertakes to treat all applicants for posts fairly and not to discriminate unfairly against volunteers or paid staff who voluntarily reveal that they have a criminal conviction. We will not discriminate unfairly against volunteers or paid staff where a DBS check reveals a criminal conviction or other information about offences. We will consider job applicants who have a criminal record based on their skills, abilities, experience, knowledge and, where needed, qualifications and training. Our approach depends on the job and whether it is covered by, or exempt from, the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post. However, if we receive a high volume of applications, we may limit the number of interviews offered to people with and without a disability. Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/delta-academies-trust/ • Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/deltatrustjobs