Principal

Abbeyfield School; Northampton; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Abbeyfield School in Northampton seeks an exceptional Principal to lead our ambitious, caring and inclusive community. This role will focus on raising achievement, supporting every student and working with staff, families and governors to shape ongoing success.

You will bring substantial senior leadership experience, a strong commitment to inclusive education and a clear vision for delivering excellent teaching and learning, with a culture of ambition, respect and kindness at its core.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in senior school leadership.
• Strong commitment to inclusive education.
• Relevant leadership qualifications.
• Proven ability to drive school improvement.
• Ability to inspire and empower staff.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to the values of ambition, respect and kindness.

Skills

Senior leadership

Inclusive education

Professional development

School improvement

Staff empowerment

Communication skills

Ambition and kindness values

Job description

AbbeyfieldSchool is seeking an exceptional Principal to lead our ambitious, caring andinclusive community. This is an exciting opportunity to build on strongfoundations and champion a culture of ambition, respect and kindness.

AsPrincipal, you will inspire excellence in teaching and learning, ensure everystudent is known, valued and supported to achieve their full potential, andwork with staff, families and governors to shape the school's continuedsuccess.

Job Title: Principal

Location: AbbeyfieldSchool, Northampton

Salary:Negotiable. Dependent on experience.

Start Date: IdeallySpring Term

ContractType: Permanent

WorkingPattern: Full-Time

ApplicationClosing Date: Sunday 27th September 2026

1stRound Interview Date: Tuesday 6th October 2026, at AbbeyfieldSchool, Northampton

2ndRound Interview Date: Wednesday 14th October 2026 at TheElevatEd Hub, The Milton Keynes Academy

About You

You are anambitious, values-driven leader with a clear vision for delivering anexceptional education where every child is known, valued and supported toachieve their very best. You bring a strong track record of school improvement,inspiring others through high expectations, strategic leadership and anunwavering belief in every young person's potential. As Principal, you willchampion a culture of ambition, respect and kindness, ensuring every studentthrives 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 idealcandidate will have:

• Substantial experience in senior schoolleadership, as a Vice Principal, Deputy Headteacher or equivalent,with a proven record of raising standards and securing sustainedimprovement.
• A strong commitment to inclusive education,ensuring all students, regardless of background or circumstance, have theopportunity to succeed and flourish.
• A commitment to continuous professionaldevelopment, with relevant leadership qualifications and a reflectiveapproach to improving practice.
• A deep understanding of effective schoolimprovement, with the ability to drive high-quality teaching andlearning, strengthen outcomes and lead successfully through change.
• The ability to inspire, develop and empowerstaff, creating a culture of collaboration, accountability andprofessional 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, respectand kindness, ensuring these principles are embedded throughout thelife of the school and reflected in every aspect of the studentexperience.