PrincipalEDV/2026/RCA/69864

Peterborough Diocese Education Trust; Ryhall; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Well-being programme

Visits to the school

Job summary

Ryhall Church of England Academy, part of the Peterborough Diocese Education Trust, seeks a visionary Principal to lead from January and shape the next chapter of a values-led school.

The successful candidate will inspire staff, foster strong partnerships with families and the wider community, and ensure every pupil is known, supported and empowered to succeed within a thriving, Christian ethos.

Qualifications

• Recent senior leadership experience in an educational setting.
• Strong communication with families, staff and wider communities.
• Outstanding pedagogical knowledge and ability to coach colleagues.
• Commitment to inclusion and Christian ethos.
• Excellent curriculum knowledge and high expectations.
• Experience with pastoral care and student wellbeing.
• Ability to lead change and work collaboratively with a Trust.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and vision for the school.
• Strengthen partnerships with families, staff, school forums and the Trust.
• Ensure safe, happy and productive learning environments.
• Lead curriculum development and pupil outcomes.
• Coach and mentor staff across the school.
• Champion inclusion and Christian ethos.

Skills

Senior leadership experience

Excellent communication

Pedagogical knowledge

Pastoral focus

Inclusion & diversity

Education

Relevant degree or postgraduate qualification in education

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.

Find out more about the school at www.ryhallceacademy.co.uk.

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.