Principal

Aston University Engineering Academy; Saltley; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Aston University Engineering Academy (AUEA) invites applications for the position of Principal, based in Birmingham. The role leads the Academy’s day-to-day operations, working with the Executive Principal and the Aston University STEM Education Academy Trust to deliver high-quality academic and technical education.

The successful candidate will build strong partnerships with Aston University, STEM employers and industry leaders, ensuring outstanding teaching, student progress and achievement,

Qualifications

• Senior leadership experience in education or academy settings.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership and management of Aston University Engineering Academy (AUEA).
• Strengthen partnerships with Aston University, STEM employers and industry to enhance the Academy’s offer.
• Champion excellent teaching and learning, and uphold high standards of behaviour and culture.

Job description

Principal - Aston University Engineering Academy

Birmingham | Full-time | Leadership Scale SL19-SL26 competitive, see details
Closing date: Monday 23 November 2026

Knowledge for Life | Skills for the Future

Aston University Engineering Academy (AUEA) is looking for an exceptional Principal to lead the Academy into its next chapter.

Based in the heart of Birmingham alongside Aston University, AUEA is a distinctive University Technical College providing specialist education for young people with ambitions in engineering, digital technology, healthcare, business and the industries of the future.

Since opening in 2012, AUEA has established a powerful model combining high-quality academic and technical education with exceptional employer engagement and a deep partnership with Aston University. Demand for places is strong, outcomes continue to improve, and our students progress to leading universities, degree apprenticeships and employment with major organisations.

Now we are looking for a leader with the ambition, energy and imagination to build on those foundations.

The opportunity

As Principal, you will provide the day-to-day leadership and management of AUEA, working closely with the Executive Principal and the wider Aston University STEM Education Academy Trust.

You will lead a talented team, champion excellent teaching and learning, maintain high expectations for behaviour and culture, and ensure every young person is supported to achieve and progress. You will also strengthen the partnerships with Aston University, STEM employers and industry that make the Academy's educational offer so distinctive.

We are looking for someone who combines high expectations with humanity: a visible and inspiring leader who can connect just as effectively with students and staff as with governors, university colleagues and industry leaders.

You will join AUEA at an exciting point in its development. The creation of Aston University STEM Education Academy Trust brings together AUEA, Aston University Sixth Form, Aston University Mathematics School and Aston University Goldsmiths’ Institute, creating a connected educational community spanning specialist secondary, sixth-form, mathematics, higher education and technical STEM pathways

Our mission is simple and ambitious: Knowledge for Life | Skills for the Future. We want our learners to leave us knowledgeable, skilled and confident, ready to thrive at university, through apprenticeships, in employment and in the wider world.

If you believe deeply in the potential of young people, understand the transformative power of outstanding STEM education, and have the leadership credentials to take an ambitious and distinctive Academy forward, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Salary: AUEA Leadership Scale SL19-SL26, competitive, see details
Closing date: Monday 23 November 2026
Shortlisting: Wednesday 25 November 2026
Interviews: w/c 30 November 2026

For a confidential discussion about the opportunity, contact Will Bridge at Academicis at [e-mail], 07825 3465354 or 01223 907979.