Head of College (Vice Principal)

Leighacademiestrust; Dartford; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Dartford is seeking a dedicated Head of College (Vice Principal) to join from January 2026. The role involves strategic support to the Principal, covering classes, and fostering a collaborative network to improve educational outcomes. Ideal candidates will have a successful track record in school leadership and a passion for developing all students to their fullest potential. Competitive benefits, including a Teacher Pension Scheme, are offered.

Benefits

Highly competitive salary

Teacher Pension Scheme

24/7 access to a free virtual GP Service

Qualifications

• Enthusiastic, energetic and ambitious school leader with a track record of success.
• Able to develop children to reach their full potential regardless of background.
• Confident in communicating a clear vision for the school.

Responsibilities

• Support the Principal with the strategic direction of the academy.
• Cover classes when necessary to provide teaching.
• Work collaboratively across the Trust to ensure student success.

Skills

School leadership

Motivational leadership

Communication skills

Relationship building

Education

Successful secondary level experience

Job description

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Highly competitive + Teacher Pension Scheme + 24/7 access to a free virtual GP Service + collaborative MAT network + additional LAT benefits.

Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy has an exceptional opportunity for a committed, enthusiastic and passionate Head of College (Vice Principal) to join us from January 2026. Joining us will enable you to work with like-minded colleagues who share your goals and ambitions. You will be part of a team that provides outstanding educational opportunities for all of our pupils through creative, carefully sequenced and highly effective lines of inquiry where all learners are at the very core of driving our curriculum.

This position offers a unique leadership opportunity for those who are inspired to positively impact upon children's life chances and potential. As part of this position there will be the expectation that you will cover classes to provide release time or provide some teaching to a consistent class. You will support the Principal with the strategic direction of the academy and act in a delegated capacity in their absence.

We wish to hear from you if you really want to change our education world and are:

• an enthusiastic, energetic and ambitious school leader with a track record of success at secondary level;
• a motivational and inspirational leader with high expectations of staff;
• confident and able to communicate a clear vision for the school;
• able to develop children to reach their full potential regardless of background or circumstance;
• approachable and keen to work with staff across the Trust to ensure wide success;
• able to establish and develop excellent relationships with the community and other stakeholders.

Applying for this Opportunity

Thank you for your interest in joining us. If you'd like to find out more about this role or arrange a visit to the academy, please don't hesitate to contact Charlotte Herberts (Recruitment Advisor): [e-mail] / 01634 412 245.

To support your application, we recommend downloading the Recruitment Pack, which outlines the full role responsibilities and person specification. This will guide you in preparing a strong application and understanding what we're looking for.

Early applications are encouraged, as we reserve the right to interview before the closing date. All applications must be submitted through our online application form prior to the deadline.

Closing date: Monday 15th September, noon

Shortlisting date: Monday 15th September, 4pm

Interview date: Friday 19th September

Our Commitment to Safeguarding, Equality & Diversity

Leigh Academies Trust and all of our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair, robust and consistent recruitment process across all academies and business units which is inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates - you can read more about this in our Careers site. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.

As a Trust, we are passionate about diversity and recognise that as individuals, we all bring something unique to the role regardless of any protected characteristics which is why we treat all of our people equally, without compromise. We are committed to providing equality and fairness throughout our recruitment and employment practices and not discriminating on any grounds.