Principal

LeighAcademiesTrust; Dartford; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational trust in Dartford is looking for a Principal for Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy. This unique opportunity invites ambitious senior leaders to oversee the school, driving educational success and community engagement. Applicants should demonstrate a strong track record in secondary education, particularly in urban settings, and possess the skills to foster a positive school culture. The position offers a six-figure salary, performance bonuses, and a commitment to professional development within a collaborative framework.

Benefits

Six-figure salary

Performance bonus

Private healthcare

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven track record of success at secondary level in an urban community.
• Ability to improve the life chances of students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Experience in developing a positive school culture and ethos.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy with a clear vision.
• Enhance the educational experience and opportunities for all students.
• Collaborate with staff across the Trust for collective success.

Skills

Leadership in secondary education

Effective communication

Urban multicultural education

Job description

Six Figure Salary + Performance Bonus + Private Healthcare + collaborative MAT network + additional LAT benefits.

We are now recruiting for a Principal for Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy. This is a truly rare and exciting opportunity for an experienced senior leader to join the flagship academy and a very successful and financially sound, mature and geographically local multi‑academy trust that combines management freedom for effective leaders with secure central support that encourages collaboration for success. We are looking for someone who is ambitious for the children of Dartford, to enhance their life chances and provide a bright future for them and their families.

You will already be an exceptional senior leader at a successful secondary school with real ambition to improve the life chances of the students at Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy. Experience in raising educational standards in an urban community, including pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds, would be attractive. We will expect the Principal to further develop a positive culture and ethos where each child is expected to do well and their progress is supported every step of the way.

What we are looking for:

• 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;
• a passion for working in an urban, multicultural setting;
• able to establish and develop excellent relationships with the community and other stakeholders.

What we can offer you:

• a six figure salary along with private healthcare and an opportunity to earn a performance bonus;
• an exciting LAT career path with opportunities for further progression in the future;
• security and support on your journey from close collaboration with a small central executive and a larger group of talented Principals to share best practice and innovation.

To support your application, we recommend viewing the Job Pack by clicking here, 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.

Applying for this Opportunity

Naturally, we are seeking to appoint the best possible candidate and therefore the application process will reflect our desire to undertake all necessary measures to achieve this.

On the basis that interested candidates may be keen to visit the academy before making a formal application, you can arrange this by contacting Jo Johnson via email: [e-mail]. Visits will be offered in early‑January and will be hosted by Tracey Trusler, Academies Director, or a member of the senior leadership team. Please ensure you offer Jo a range of dates when you are available in your initial email to ensure we can coordinate a visit that works for both you and the academy.

Candidates wishing to have an initial conversation with our Trust Academies Director, Tracey Trusler, about this role can also arrange for a telephone call. Those wishing to do so should also contact Jo Johnson via email: [e-mail] in the first instance.

Closing date: Wednesday 21st January 2026, 9am

Shortlisting date: Wednesday 21st January 2026, PM

Interview date: Thursday 29th, and Friday 30th January 2026

If you have any queries on any aspect of the application process or need additional information, please contact Charlotte Herberts (LAT Recruitment Team) on 01634 412 245 or [e-mail].

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 on 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.