Head of Campus (Vice Principal)

Thinking Schools Academy Trust; Paignton; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

Free flu vaccinations

Eye care vouchers

Reduced gym membership

Cycle to Work Scheme

Blue Light Card discounts

Job summary

Paignton Academy, part of The Thinking Schools Academy Trust, seeks an exceptional Head of Campus to take full operational leadership of the Waterleat Road site, guiding a community of around 800 students within a 1,600-student academy.

You will work with an experienced Principal and executive leaders, shape culture and outcomes, and drive school improvement across inclusion, attendance, safeguarding and personal development.

Responsibilities

• Take full operational responsibility for the Waterleat Road campus, overseeing daily routines, staff leadership, parental engagement and student culture.
• Drive strategic work around inclusion, behaviour, attendance, safeguarding, SEND and personal development, directly influencing outcomes and life chances for young people.
• Lead improvement priorities across a large, split-site academy while collaborating with senior and executive leaders.
• Benefit from leadership coaching, mentoring, and collaboration opportunities through The Thinking Schools Academy Trust to develop as a future Headteacher.
• Seekers of a role bridging Vice Principalship and Headship are encouraged to apply.

Job description

About The Role

Ready for the next step in progressing your career into a Leadership role?

Lead a Campus. Shape a School. Prepare for Headship.

Paignton Academy are seeking an exceptional leader to join our senior leadership team as Head of Campus, a perfect role for someone ready to take the next significant step towards headship. This is not a typical Vice Principal role.

As Head of Campus, you will hold full operational leadership responsibility for our Waterleat Road site, leading a thriving community of approximately 800 students while contributing strategically across our 1,600-student academy. This rare opportunity combines the breadth of whole-school leadership with the autonomy and accountability normally associated with Headship.

If you aspire to become a Headteacher within the next few years and are looking for the right opportunity to accelerate your journey, this could be the role that defines your career.

Why this opportunity is different

• Lead the day-to-day operation of an 800-student campus
• Shape culture, standards, attendance, behaviour and outcomes
• Lead and inspire staff through a clear vision and high expectations
• Work alongside an experienced Principal and executive leaders
• Influence strategic decisions across a 1,600-student academy
• Develop the skills, experience and confidence needed for future Headship

Leadership development through the Thinking Schools Academy Trust

• Access to experienced Principals, Headteachers and Executive Leaders
• Leadership coaching and mentoring
• Opportunities through the Trust's leadership development programmes
• Cross-school leadership experience and collaboration
• Professional networks extending beyond your own academy
• Career progression opportunities across a national trust
• A culture built on professional trust, challenge and support

A genuine pathway to Headship

Leading a school community

Take full operational responsibility for the Waterleat Road campus, overseeing daily routines, staff leadership, parental engagement and student culture.

Driving school improvement

Lead strategic work around inclusion, behaviour, attendance, safeguarding, SEND and personal development, directly influencing outcomes and life chances for young people.

Leading at scale

Contribute to improvement priorities across a large, split-site secondary academy while working collaboratively with senior and executive leaders.

Developing as a future Headteacher

Benefit from leadership coaching, mentoring, professional networks and collaboration opportunities through The Thinking Schools Academy Trust.

We would be delighted to hear from your if you are an ambitious senior leader, looking for a role which provides a unique bridge between Vice Principalship and Headship.

About Us

At Paignton Academy, we focus on developing well-rounded students who excel academically and grow socially, emotionally, and morally. We inspire our students to be kind, resilient, and responsible, preparing them to face challenges and contribute positively to society.

Paignton Academy is on a significant improvement journey which was recognised in its most recent Ofsted report (December 2024):

The school has redesigned its curriculum to be broad and ambitious. The knowledge pupils will learn is organised in a logical order. The impact of these improvements is evident in key stage 3, where pupils demonstrate they know and remember more of what they have been taught.

Since the previous inspection, the quality of provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) has improved. Pupils’ needs are identified quickly, and appropriate support is put in place. Teachers have a growing understanding of how to adapt their teaching successfully for the benefit of these pupils. The school ensures that pupils with SEND are included in the wider life of the school.

Pupils’ behaviour has improved. Lessons are calm and purposeful. The ‘speak up, speak out’ campaign has led to more pupils feeling confident to report concerns.

Why Paignton Academy?

• Strong Relationships: We value respectful connections between students, staff, and parents, working together to ensure student success.
• Love of Learning: We foster a passion for lifelong learning, helping students grow into curious, well-rounded individuals.
• Community & Pride: We instil pride in both our school and the local community, empowering students to make a positive impact.

If you're passionate about shaping young lives and helping students reach their full potential, come join our team at Paignton Academy!

The Thinking Schools Academy Trust

The Thinking Schools Academy Trust is a family of schools across the South West, South, South East and East of England, consisting of early years, primary, secondary and specialist provision.

We believe that every young person in our community deserves to have the best opportunities at life regardless of their individual circumstances. That’s why we invest in our people, so that our staff are best supported to positively impact our pupils.

Learn more about our Vision and Values here

Why Join the Thinking Schools Academy Trust?

We’re proud to offer more than just a job—we provide a range of exceptional benefits to support and reward our staff

Career Development

We’re committed to your growth and offer fantastic opportunities for career advancement. From staff development days and conferences to apprenticeships at every level, we provide clear pathways for progression and exciting promotional opportunities across regions.

Health and Wellbeing Support

Access our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, free flu vaccinations and eye care vouchers. Enjoy reduced membership fees at our fully-equipped fitness suite and classes.

Employee Recognition

Refer a Friend and TSTARS Staff Recognition Programme.

TSAT Benefits Portal

A one-stop shop benefits hub that gives you access to a range of exclusive benefits including cashback on your favourite supermarkets and high street retailers, Cycle to Work Scheme and Discounted Gym Membership.

Blue Light Card

Offering exclusive discounts and savings at thousands of retailers, restaurants, and attractions.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. As per KCSIE we will also undertake online searches for all shortlisted candidates, if you have any questions regarding this process, please email [e-mail]