Vice Principal

Bright Futures Educational Trust; Flixton; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CPD opportunities

Flexible working

Supportive Trust network

Job summary

Acre Hall Primary School, part of Bright Futures Educational Trust, is seeking a Vice Principal to provide strategic leadership for teaching, behaviour, safeguarding and curriculum across the academy.

You will work with the Principal and Senior Leadership Team to drive improvement, lead high standards, manage performance and ensure a values-driven culture that supports every student to achieve excellence.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of strategic school leadership.
• Experience of guiding school improvement and self-evaluation.
• Ability to lead curriculum, teaching and assessment
• Strong safeguarding and inclusion knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for Acre Hall Primary School.
• Deputise for the Principal when required.
• Lead on whole-school priorities and improvement planning.
• Oversee safeguarding and student welfare.
• Develop staff performance and professional development.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Data-informed decision making

Staff coaching and development

Behaviour management

Education

NPQH or equivalent

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Tools

Budget management

Job description

Work closely with the Principal and Senior Leadership Team to shape, implement and evaluate the academy improvement strategy. Contribute to self-evaluation, improvement planning and the academy's journey towards excellence. Lead strategically on whole‑school priorities as agreed with the Principal. Deputise for the Principal where required and undertake professional duties in their absence. Contribute to Trust‑wide leadership and collaboration across Bright Futures Educational Trust.

2. Teaching, learning and achievement

Lead the development of high-quality teaching so that all students achieve strong progress and outcomes.

Develop and implement effective systems for quality assurance, monitoring, evaluation and follow-up.

Ensure that staff training and pedagogical development are sharply focused, evidence-informed and improve classroom practice.

Lead detailed analysis of student performance and use this to plan interventions, support key groups and address underachievement.

Work with senior and middle leaders to secure consistently high standards in curriculum implementation, teaching and assessment.

Ensure that lessons and provision are informed by prior and current student data so students are well supported to achieve excellence.

3. Culture, behaviour, attendance and personal development

Lead and sustain a culture of high expectations, belonging and community cohesion across the academy.

Provide strategic leadership for behaviour, attitudes, attendance, personal development, character education and SMSC.

Develop and maintain transparent, fair and effective behaviour systems rooted in academy values.

Promote a culture of celebration, reward and student leadership.

Lead strategies to improve attendance and punctuality, including support for vulnerable students and key groups.

Ensure students are supported to become self‑regulating, responsible and respectful members of the community.

Oversee a highly relevant personal development curriculum that fulfils statutory requirements and prepares students for future pathways.

4. Safeguarding, inclusion and student welfare

Promote a strong safeguarding culture across the academy and ensure safeguarding responsibilities are fully understood and enacted.

Work with safeguarding leaders and external agencies to protect children and promote their welfare.

Ensure that provision for all students, including those educated outside the mainstream classroom or in alternative provision, is safe and of high quality.

Support the academy's inclusive ethos and ensure that all students are known, valued and supported.

Contribute to the academy's wellbeing strategy so that challenge is matched by compassion.

5. Leadership of people

Line manage and performance manage designated senior and middle leaders.

Build leadership capacity through coaching, support, challenge and professional development.

Create and foster a culture of reflective practice, openness and continuous improvement.

Challenge underperformance at all levels and ensure timely corrective action.

Ensure staff are treated fairly, with dignity and respect, in line with Trust policies and values.

Lead by example as a teacher and senior leader, demonstrating professionalism, integrity and high standards.

6. Systems, communication and accountability

Develop, implement and review robust systems, policies and processes across areas of responsibility.

Use accurate data, reporting and evaluation to inform decision‑making and measure impact.

Provide clear and thorough reports and updates to the Principal, Senior Leadership Team, governors and Trust colleagues as required.

Communicate clearly and transparently with staff, students, parents and carers, and external stakeholders.

Contribute to policy development and ensure consistent implementation of academy and Trust expectations.

7. Partnerships and community

Sustain positive relationships with students, families, governors, Trust colleagues, partner schools, the local authority and external agencies.

Be a visible presence for students, parents and the local community.

Support community engagement, partnership working and external representation where appropriate.

Contribute to the inclusive, multicultural and welcoming character of Acre Hall Primary School

8. Operational and wider responsibilities

Attend and lead meetings, assemblies, training and academy events as required.

Participate in break, lunchtime, before‑school and after‑school supervision.

Contribute to support programmes for students and staff, including occasional weekend or holiday provision where needed.

Manage delegated budgets in line with academy and Trust expectations.

Keep abreast of national developments and relevant research in areas of responsibility.

Undertake any other reasonable duties commensurate with the role as directed by the Principal.

General expectations of all senior leaders

The Vice Principal will:

• Act with honesty, integrity and transparency at all times
• Embody the vision and values of Acre Hall Primary School and Bright Futures Educational Trust
• Model the highest standards of professionalism
• Maintain a relentless focus on improving life chances for all students
• Demonstrate commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

This job description is not intended to be exhaustive. It outlines the main duties and responsibilities of the post and may be reviewed and amended from time to time in consultation with the post holder to reflect the changing needs of the academy.

We are open, supportive and flexible with high‑quality CPD opportunities through our Teaching School Hubs and Professional Development Institute.

Flexible working will be considered please discuss your preferences at interview.

Please see the attached job description and person specification for a full list of responsibilities and accountabilities.

Keeping Children Safe in Education

Acre Hall Primary School is part of Bright Futures Educational Trust and is driven by the vision, "the best for everyone, the best from everyone". The academy's mission is rooted in inclusion, strong relationships, shared values, rich diversity, powerful knowledge, character development and preparing young people to make a positive difference in the world. The academy values all members of its community showing respect, being honest, being kind, showing resilience and working hard.

To work collaboratively with the Principal, Vice Principals and Senior Leadership Team to provide strategic leadership for Acre Hall Primary School, securing excellent outcomes, strong teaching, high standards of behaviour and attendance, effective safeguarding, and a values‑driven culture in which every student can