Principal

Abbeyfield; Far Cotton; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Abbeyfield School in Northampton invites applications for a Principal to lead an ambitious, caring and inclusive community. You will inspire teaching excellence, ensure every student is known, valued and supported to reach their potential, and work with families and governors to shape continued success.

You will join a values-driven Trust and lead with integrity, compassion and purpose, fostering belonging and high expectations.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in senior school leadership, with a proven record of raising standards.
• Strong commitment to inclusive education and ensuring all students have the opportunity to succeed.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and reflective leadership practice.
• Deep understanding of effective school improvement and change management.
• Ability to inspire, develop and empower staff with collaborative culture.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with students, families and governors.
• Commitment to the values of ambition, respect and kindness embedded in school life.

Responsibilities

• Lead Abbeyfield School as a values-driven, high-expectation community.
• Inspire excellence in teaching and learning, ensuring every student is known, valued, and supported to reach their full potential.
• Work with staff, families and governors to shape the school's continued success and improvement.

Skills

Senior leadership

Inclusive education

CPD leadership

School improvement

Staff development

Communication skills

Ambition kindness values

Job description

Abbeyfield School is seeking an exceptional Principal to lead our ambitious, caring and inclusive community. This is an exciting opportunity to build on strong foundations and champion a culture of ambition, respect and kindness. As Principal, you will inspire excellence in teaching and learning, ensure every student is known, valued and supported to achieve their full potential, and work with staff, families and governors to shape the school's continued success. Job Title: Principal Location: Abbeyfield School, Northampton Salary: Negotiable. Dependent on experience. Start Date: Ideally Spring Term Contract Type: Permanent Working Pattern: Full-Time Application Closing Date: Sunday 27th September 2026 1st Round Interview Date: Tuesday 6th October 2026, at Abbeyfield School, Northampton 2nd Round Interview Date: Wednesday 14th October 2026 at The ElevatEd Hub, The Milton Keynes Academy About You You are an ambitious, values-driven leader with a clear vision for delivering an exceptional education where every child is known, valued and supported to achieve their very best. You bring a strong track record of school improvement, inspiring others through high expectations, strategic leadership and an unwavering belief in every young person's potential. As Principal, you will champion a culture of ambition, respect and kindness, ensuring every student thrives academically, personally and socially. You will lead with integrity, compassion and purpose, fostering a school community where excellence is expected, wellbeing is prioritised and everyone feels a genuine sense of belonging. Our ideal candidate will have:

• Substantial experience in senior school leadership, as a Vice Principal, Deputy Headteacher or equivalent, with a proven record of raising standards and securing sustained improvement.
• A strong commitment to inclusive education, ensuring all students, regardless of background or circumstance, have the opportunity to succeed and flourish.
• A commitment to continuous professional development, with relevant leadership qualifications and a reflective approach to improving practice.
• A deep understanding of effective school improvement, with the ability to drive high-quality teaching and learning, strengthen outcomes and lead successfully through change.
• The ability to inspire, develop and empower staff, creating a culture of collaboration, accountability and professional growth.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and positive relationships with students, staff, families, governors and the wider community.
• A commitment to the values of ambition, respect and kindness, ensuring these principles are embedded throughout the life of the school and reflected in every aspect of the student experience.

About Abbeyfield School

About Abbeyfield School: Abbeyfield School is a values-led community where staff are supported, empowered, and inspired to make a real impact. Guided by our principles of Ambition, Respect, and Kindness, we foster a collaborative culture where every team member plays a vital role in shaping the future of our students. Staff wellbeing is a genuine priority, with clear systems, consistent processes, and a calendar that supports work-life balance. Professional development is central to our ethos. You'll benefit from high-quality CPD, coaching, and opportunities to collaborate across Creative Education Trust schools. Our students are curious, courteous, and eager to learn, and our inclusive, restorative approach to behaviour helps every learner feel safe and supported. Abbeyfield is a school where staff are trusted to lead, reflect, and grow. With excellent facilities and a strong team ethos, it's a place where you can develop your career and be part of something meaningful. If you're looking for a school that values its people and puts students at the heart of everything, Abbeyfield is the place for you. To find out more please visit our website.

About Creative Education Trust

Creative Education Trust is a growing network of 17 schools, educating over 13,500 children and young people across England. Since 2010, we've worked in partnership with communities to deliver an education that inspires ambition, promotes equity, and unlocks opportunity for every learner. We believe every child has talent, every community has strength, and every school can be a place where excellence thrives. Our curriculum is rich, broad, and inclusive - designed to build knowledge, nurture creativity, and prepare students for the future. We are united by a shared purpose: to transform lives through education. Our schools are places where students feel safe, supported, and empowered to lead their own lives with confidence. Through collaboration, high expectations, and purposeful leadership, we ensure that success is both expected and achieved - together. Visit our Trust website to explore how we support our staff and discover more about our mission, values, and opportunities.

Essential Information

Essential Information: Creative Education Trust (CET) is committed to Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children and young people by keeping them safe, we expect all our colleagues to share in this responsibility. All shortlisted candidates are subject to online checks prior to interview. The CET Recruitment Policy follows the guidance set out by Keeping Children Safe in Education, where all offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS Check, separate Barred List Check, References and where appropriate a Prohibition from teaching search. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. CET is committed to developing, maintaining, and supporting an inclusive culture and environment for the benefit of its employees and the communities it serves.