Principal

The Methodist Church in Britain; London Borough of Croydon; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS or TPS pension with life cover

Wellbeing support

Flexible working

Enhanced parental leave

Salary sacrifice schemes

Job summary

Addington Valley Academy is seeking a Principal to provide strategic direction and drive school improvement. The role leads the staff team, oversees safeguarding and SEND provision, and manages resources and budgets.

Engagement with families, governors and the Trust is central to the position. Qualified Teacher Status is required, with substantial senior leadership experience in education and a track record of raising outcomes for learners with SEND.

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) required.
• Substantial senior leadership experience in education.
• Experience leading improvement and raising outcomes for learners with SEND.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to drive outcomes for learners and school improvement.
• Lead and develop a high-performing staff team.
• Oversee safeguarding, wellbeing, inclusion and SEND provision.
• Oversee the management of resources, staffing and budgets.
• Build relationships with families, governors, external agencies and Trust leaders.
• Shape the future direction of the school.
• Champion an inclusive culture where every learner can thrive.

Skills

Safeguarding knowledge

SEND legislation

Inclusive practice

Staff leadership

Communication

Organisation

Stakeholder management

Partnership building

Education

QTS

Job description

Principal post at Addington Valley Academy, a school for learners with autism and complex needs. The role centres on setting the school's direction, driving outcomes and school improvement, and leading and developing the staff team. It also covers safeguarding, SEND provision and budgets, and working with families, governors and Trust leaders. Qualified Teacher Status and substantial senior leadership experience within education are required, and visa sponsorship is not available.

What the job involves

• Provide strategic leadership to drive outcomes for learners and continuous school improvement
• Lead and develop a high-performing staff team
• Ensure the highest standards of safeguarding, wellbeing, inclusion and SEND provision
• Oversee the management of resources, staffing and budgets
• Build relationships with families, governors, external agencies and Trust leaders
• Shape the future direction of the school
• Champion an inclusive culture where every learner can thrive

What’s required

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Experience

• Substantial senior leadership experience within education
• Proven experience of leading improvement and raising outcomes for learners with SEND

Skills & knowledge

• Strong knowledge of safeguarding, SEND legislation and inclusive educational practice
• Ability to lead, motivate and develop staff while maintaining high expectations
• Excellent communication, organisational and stakeholder management skills
• Building effective partnerships

Checks & eligibility

• Enhanced DBS check
• Right to work in the UK

What’s offered

• Pension through the LGPS or TPS, with life cover
• Progression pathways within the trust
• Salary sacrifice schemes for cycle, car lease and home electronics
• Wellbeing support including counselling, mental health support and an Employee Assistance Programme
• Generous leave, flexible working and enhanced parental leave
• Corporate eyecare scheme, MyGym discounts and free virtual GP appointments
• Employee discounts including Blue Light Card, Costco and teacher discounts
• Season ticket loan and employee referral scheme