Principal

Randstad Education; Bristol; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational recruitment agency is seeking an exceptional Principal for an Academy in South West England. The role involves strategic leadership, staff management, and community engagement. The ideal candidate will possess a degree, PGCE with QTS, and experience in effective headship. This position is full-time and permanent, offering a leadership salary scale of L29 - L35. Interested candidates can apply via email with their updated CV.

Qualifications

• Qualified to degree level.
• PGCE (or equivalent) with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship) is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead an Academy in the South West, providing strategic direction.
• Oversee recruitment, training, and performance management of staff.
• Ensure a safe and effective learning environment for all students.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Financial management

Emotional resilience

Education

Degree level qualification

PGCE with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

NPQH (desirable)

Job description

Principal - Full Time - Permanent - South West England

Job Title: Principal

Location: South West England

Salary: Leadership Scale L29 - L35

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

Reporting to: Regional Director

Start Date: ASAP

Job Summary

We are seeking an exceptional and visionary Principal to lead an Academy in the South West. This is a significant leadership opportunity for a driven individual to manage the internal organisation, management, and control of the Academy.

The successful candidate will lead the staff in realizing a vision of establishing a unique, extended learning community that caters to the whole person‑academically, vocationally, socially, morally, and spiritually. You will ensure the Academy not only serves students but acts as a central pillar of the local community hub, integrating adults, families, and partners to drive genuine transformation.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Formulate aims and objectives aligned with the Trust's philosophy of education and values.
• Produce and implement Academy evaluation and improvement plans, setting strategic targets and performance indicators.
• Ensure the Academy serves as a model of community transformation by integrating adults and students.
• Lead and inspire staff by example, encouraging the highest personal and professional standards.

Staff Management

• Oversee the recruitment, deployment, and line management of all teaching and support staff.
• Lead the annual performance management cycle, ensuring high‑calibre training and development opportunities are available.
• Oversee a rigorous assessment framework to judge the quality of teaching and learning.

Student Outcomes and Welfare

• Ensure a safe, secure learning environment in accordance with the latest safeguarding and statutory guidance.
• Develop an effective system of pastoral care, providing support, advice, and guidance for future pathways.
• Provide a personalised curriculum that meets the needs of all students, including those with learning difficulties and the highly gifted.
• Determine strategies to ensure high standards of behaviour and attendance.

Operational and Resource Management

• Allocate, control, and account for financial and material resources.
• Ensure the maintenance and development of premises to provide extensive facilities for students and the community.
• Manage health and safety compliance across the site.

Community and External Liaison

• Develop collaborative links with the local community hub to maximise opportunities for families.
• Maintain positive relationships with other schools, the Local Authority, and business partners.
• Foster a strong partnership with parents and carers, ensuring they are actively involved in their child's education.

Qualifications

• Qualified to degree level.
• PGCE (or equivalent) with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
• NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headship) is desirable.
• Evidence of recent, relevant professional development.

Experience

• Proven track record of effective headship or senior leadership in an urban primary or secondary school (ideally graded Good or Outstanding).
• Experience in leading and managing teams to a high standard.
• Demonstrable impact on managing and improving curriculum offers.
• Experience in financial management, sustainability, and risk management.
• Strong experience working effectively with local communities and multi‑agency partners.

Skills and Attributes

• Ability to develop and communicate a complex vision in simple terms.
• Passionately committed to safeguarding and the welfare of young people.
• Emotionally resilient, patient, and able to work under pressure.
• Diplomatic with strong interpersonal skills for building inclusive relationships.
• A leader who acts with integrity, humility, and honesty.

How to Apply

If you are a resilient leader ready to champion the most vulnerable and push the most able, please apply using the link below or share your updated CV at [e-mail]