Principal

Worcester Sixth Form College; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A sixth form educational institution in England is seeking a new Principal to provide strategic leadership starting from the 2026-27 academic year. The successful candidate should have a proven record in educational leadership and a dedication to student welfare. The role involves leading the college towards educational excellence, inspiring both staff and students while engaging with the community. Interested candidates can contact the Principal's PA for discussions and tours prior to applying. Diversity in applications is encouraged.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of leadership within education and understanding of sixth form values.
• Determination to deliver educational excellence and improve student experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide outstanding strategic and operational leadership to the College.
• Lead and inspire staff, students, and the wider community.

Job description

About the College

Worcester Sixth Form College is a 16-19 academy and a member of the Heart of Mercia Multi‑academy Trust. The College offers the widest range of A Levels in the county alongside a range of Applied, AAQ, T Level and GCSE qualifications which ensure a broad curriculum offering with extensive enrichment opportunities. The College provides a safe and inclusive environment for almost 1800 students from a variety of cultural and social backgrounds, and we pride ourselves on the sense of community that we have been able to engender.

The College is in an excellent position with students making better than expected academic progress and more being aspirational in their next steps compared to their peers in value added terms. College finances are strong and there has been significant investment in the building to provide students with the best possible environment, e.g. completion of phase 2 of the Science Centre and fire safety improvement works. The College has grown by 32% over the last 6 years and now educates over one‑fifth of the county's 16‑to‑19‑year‑olds despite competition from local school sixth forms, independent schools and FE providers.

Role Overview

Due to the retirement of the current Principal in August 2026, the Trust Board is seeking to appoint an ambitious new Principal to continue to provide outstanding strategic and operational leadership to the College, from the start of the 2026-27 academic year. This is an excellent opportunity for a dynamic professional with a proven track record of leadership within education. The Board is seeking a leader with an understanding of the values and ethos of sixth form education who will bring a compelling blend of professional ability, focus and ambition to the College and to the Trust. With an inclusive, visible leadership style and a determination to deliver educational excellence, our new Principal will lead and inspire staff, students and our wider community in a vision and approach that seeks to equip students with excellent results and personal skills that ensure they are best prepared for their next steps – higher education, an apprenticeship or employment.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a clear understanding of the importance of placing our students at the centre of everything we do and of continually striving to improve the student experience.

Qualifications and Requirements

Heart of Mercia Multi Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check. As part of the shortlisting, Heart of Mercia Trust may undertake an online search in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.

Application Process

Full requirements for this exciting opportunity can be found in the attached job description and supporting documents. Information about the College is available on the College website. If you have any questions about the role or the application process, please email [e-mail].

Please note that CVs cannot be accepted. Applications must be sent electronically in the original format (Word document). Closing date for applications is 4pm on 12th January 2026. Interviews will be held in the week commencing 26th January 2026.

The Principal would be willing to meet with anyone interested in the position and provide a tour of the College prior to application. If this is of interest, please contact the Principal's PA ([e-mail]) to make an appointment. Please note that tours will be provided as part of the interview process for shortlisted candidates.

We know that a diverse workforce drives innovation, creativity, and success. We actively encourage applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds. We recognise that everyone brings unique perspectives, experiences, and talents to our Trust, and we are dedicated to creating an environment where all employees can thrive.