Vice Principal

Excel Learning Trust; Rufforth; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Inspire Academy in York, part of Excel Learning Trust, seeks an inspirational Vice Principal to work with the Head of School to lead strategic direction and day-to-day running of the academy.

You will champion inclusion, high standards in behaviour and wellbeing, and oversee safeguarding as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) within a trauma-informed approach.

We offer a supportive team and opportunities to shape outcomes for learners in a pioneering independent school.

Qualifications

• Professional teaching qualification
• Experience in an alternative provision, SEN, or highly inclusive mainstream setting
• Extensive experience supporting students with SEMH and challenging behavioural needs

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic leadership, operational management and day-to-day running of the setting.
• Oversee safeguarding and act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

Job description

Our close-knit team is passionate about removing barriers to learning, raising aspirations, and fostering an environment built on mutual respect and care, and we are seeking an inspirational, resilient, and highly motivated leader to join us as our Vice Principal. Working closely with our Head of School, you will play a pivotal role in the strategic leadership, operational management, and day-to-day running of the setting.

You will lead by example, championing our inclusive ethos while driving high standards across the curriculum, student behaviour, and pastoral care. You will support the Head of School in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the academy, establishing a safe, structured, and vibrant learning environment. You will foster excellent standards of behaviour, attendance, and emotional wellbeing, supporting our dedicated specialist team of teachers and teaching assistants. You will also undertake the role of Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

You will hold a professional teaching qualification, alongside a proven track record of impact in an alternative provision, SEN, or highly inclusive mainstream setting. You will bring extensive experience in supporting students with SEMH and challenging behavioural needs, utilising trauma-informed strategies to support and re-engage learners.

In return, we can offer a supportive working environment, with colleagues who care deeply, are experts in their fields and who are passionate about what they do. We also offer a range of staff benefits, and further details regarding our benefits and information about our Trust can be found here.

Inspire Academy is a pioneering independent school in York, dedicated to setting the national benchmark for inclusion. We believe that every young person deserves an environment where they can thrive, feel safe, and achieve their full potential. As a vital part of Excel Learning Trust, we deliver bespoke, high-quality, inclusive support and education tailored to meeting the diverse needs of our students.