Vice Principal

Astrea Academy Trust; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational trust in Cambridge is seeking a Vice Principal to lead the strategic development of behaviour and culture across secondary academies. You will ensure every school is a calm and motivating environment, working closely with Principals to implement high-expectation systems. Ideal candidates should possess a strong leadership background in education, commitment to inclusion, and a passion for fostering positive school culture.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of school improvement.
• Deep understanding of inclusion and safeguarding.
• Commitment to educational excellence and equity.

Responsibilities

• Lead behaviour and culture strategy across secondary schools.
• Design and implement Trust-wide systems.
• Champion a culture of kindness and respect.

Skills

Leadership in educational settings

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Knowledge of behaviour systems

Coaching and mentoring

Job description

Overview

As Vice Principal, you will lead the strategic development of behaviour and culture across our secondary academies, ensuring every school is a calm, purposeful, and joyful environment where scholars feel safe, valued, and inspired to succeed. You will work closely with Principals and senior leaders to embed consistent, values-driven systems that foster high expectations, warm relationships, and a profound sense of belonging.

Responsibilities

• Lead behaviour and culture strategy across Cambridgeshire secondary schools.
• Support Principals in embedding inclusive, high-expectation environments.
• Design and implement Trust-wide systems and routines that empower staff and scholars.
• Champion a culture of kindness, gratitude, and respect.
• Ensure disadvantaged and SEND scholars thrive through inclusive practice.
• Build staff capacity through coaching, training, and modelling best practice.
• Contribute to Trust-wide projects and secondary improvement strategy.
• This role is ideal for a dynamic leader with a proven track record of school improvement, who is passionate about equity, inclusion, and the power of culture to unlock potential. You will be a skilled communicator, a strategic thinker, and a role model for staff and scholars alike—able to build strong teams, mentor leaders, and drive sustainable change.
• Deep understanding of behaviour systems, inclusion, and safeguarding.
• Proven ability to lead change, inspire teams, and deliver impact.
• Commitment to Astrea's mission of educational excellence and equity for all.
• Astrea Academy Trust is committed to delivering a knowledge-rich education that transforms lives. We believe in explicit instruction, carefully sequenced curricula, and a culture of deliberate practice. Our schools are warm, disciplined and joyful places where teachers can teach and scholars can learn.