Principal

Ryhall CofE Academy; Ryhall; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Inclusive community

Christian ethos

Career opportunities within Trust

Support from Trust

Challenging and supportive environment

Job summary

Ryhall Church of England Academy is seeking an exceptional Principal to lead its vibrant school community from January. The role requires vision, energetic leadership and a commitment to a values-led, inclusive education.

You will work closely with families, the Trust and the wider community to secure excellent outcomes for every pupil. The successful candidate will inspire staff, champion high standards, and uphold the Christian ethos that underpins the school's approach, ensuring supportive,

Qualifications

• Recent, successful senior leadership experience and readiness to take the next step in their leadership career.
• Excellent communicator capable of strengthening partnerships with families, staff and the wider community.
• Outstanding practitioner with pedagogical knowledge who can coach and mentor colleagues; champions inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Lead the school with vision and energy to secure excellent learning outcomes.
• Strengthen partnerships with families, the Trust and the wider community.
• Ensure pupils feel safe, happy and ready to learn; promote inclusive, values-led education.
• Coach and develop staff to deliver high-quality teaching and pastoral care.

Skills

Senior leadership

Communication

Coaching/mentoring

Inclusion

Curriculum knowledge

Pastoral care

Teamwork

Christian ethos

Change management

Job description

Are you an ambitious and inspiring school leader ready to make a lasting difference? Ryhall Church of England Academy is looking for an exceptional Principal to lead its thriving school community from January.

This is a distinctive opportunity to build on strong foundations, shape the next chapter of a values-led school and create the conditions in which every child and every adult can flourish.

As Principal, you will bring vision, energy and confident leadership to a school with a committed staff team, strong community relationships and high aspirations for its pupils. You will inspire others, champion excellent and inclusive education, and work in close partnership with families, the Trust and the wider community to ensure that every pupil is known, supported and empowered to succeed.

Ryhall Church of England Academy sits at the heart of the beautiful village of Ryhall. Its excellent facilities include extensive outdoor space, a wildlife garden with a birdwatching observatory and minibeast hotels, a reflection area, trim trail, games pitch, outdoor stage and vegetable gardens.

The school combines high expectations with a curriculum that nurtures the whole child—emotionally, intellectually, physically, academically and spiritually. Its ambition is for children to look back with pride and move forward with confidence. A highly professional staff team works collaboratively with families, the Trust and the wider community to create memorable, lifelong learning experiences.

Ryhall is small enough for staff to know every pupil well, while offering children opportunities to take part in larger events that build confidence and character.

The Trust is looking to recruit someone who:

• Has recent, successful senior leadership experience and is ready to take the next step in their leadership career
• Is an excellent communicator who can strengthen successful partnerships with families, staff, school forums and the wider community
• Ensures that children feel safe, happy and ready to learn
• Is an outstanding practitioner with excellent pedagogical knowledge and the ability to coach, guide and mentor colleagues
• Champions inclusion and understands how to make it a reality for every child
• Has strong curriculum knowledge, high expectations and a clear understanding of how to secure excellent learning and outcomes
• Understands and is committed to pupils’ pastoral needs and positive behaviour
• Works effectively, flexibly and independently, while being a committed team member
• Embraces and promotes the Christian ethos of the school
• Brings enthusiasm, support and positive challenge, leading change for the benefit of all.

In return, we can offer you:

• A school committed to developing children’s creativity, imagination and love of learning
• A flourishing, inclusive community built on strong relationships
• A school where kindness, love and Christian values shape everyday life
• A highly committed staff team who are passionate about making a difference
• Support from a large Trust spanning Rutland, Peterborough and Northamptonshire, with excellent professional development and career opportunities
• Positive challenge, encouragement and support to help you achieve your potential.

Developing people is central to the Trust’s pursuit of educational excellence. We invest in individual skills and talents, recognise the contribution of every colleague and are committed to being an employer of choice. We want our employees to feel valued and at the heart of all we do.

We have a number of core benefits which include:

Professional development: High-quality, evidence-based development in leadership, teaching and learning, SEND and behaviour, alongside support to pursue qualifications including diplomas, Master’s degrees, National Professional Qualifications and apprenticeships.

Professional growth: Our professional growth approach replaces traditional performance management with purposeful reflection, collaboration and development. We listen to colleagues’ career aspirations and support their next steps. There is no performance-related pay: we view our staff as our greatest asset and enable them to be the very best they can be, so that every adult and every child flourishes.

Well-being: Our comprehensive five-strand well-being strategy includes an Employee Assistance Programme offering practical and emotional support, together with an Employee Benefits Scheme providing discounts on everyday essentials.

Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and strongly encouraged.

We welcome applications from senior leaders and teachers in church and non-church schools who share Ryhall’s values and ambition for every child.

Closing date: 5.00pm, Thursday 15th October 2026

Interviews: Tuesday 20th October 2026

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful applicant will be required to provide two references and undergo DBS and medical checks arranged by the school.