Vice Principal

Salford City Academy

Salford

On-site

GBP 36,000 - 44,000

Full time

5 hours ago

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Benefits offered by this job

On-site staff gym

Flexible working

Wellbeing programme

Staff social events

Job summary

Salford City Academy in Salford seeks a Vice Principal to lead with autonomy while benefiting from strong support. You will shape the academy's culture, drive improvement and influence outcomes for students and staff within a supportive trust environment.

We value leadership that challenges the status quo, aligns with our community, and remains committed to educational excellence and equity for every young person.

Qualifications

Values, character and ambition align with the school and community.
Passionate about education and belief that every young person deserves the best opportunities.
Willing to challenge with high standards and emotional intelligence to build trust.

Responsibilities

Lead, innovate and shape the academy's direction.
Influence lives of students and staff, and strengthen practice.
Collaborate with United Learning and the Trust to drive improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Resilience

Change management

Job description

Salary: United Learning Leadership PayScale

Contract: Permanent, Full Time

We are looking for a Vice Principal whose values align with ours and who is excited to help shape the next chapter of our story. You will join a successful school with strong foundations and help us move from strong to exceptional. What makes this opportunity particularly special is the balance of autonomy and support it offers. We are looking for a Vice Principal who wants to lead, innovate and shape culture; someone who will influence the direction of the academy, strengthen practice and leave a lasting mark on our community. Your contribution will matter, your voice will be valued and your leadership will directly influence the lives of our students and staff.

The Person We Are Looking For

We know that outstanding schools are built by outstanding people. That is why we are looking beyond qualifications, titles and years of experience. We are looking for someone whose values, character and ambition align with our school and our community.

Passionate About Education

We want a leader who is passionate about education and unshakeable in their belief that every young person deserves the very best opportunities in life. Someone who understands that great leadership is not about position or status, but about making a difference every day, for students, staff and the wider community.

Hardworking and Resilient

We are looking for someone who is hardworking, driven and resilient. This is not a role for someone seeking comfort or an easy next step. It is a role for someone who wants to make a mark, embraces responsibility and is motivated by the challenge of improving outcomes and transforming lives.

Ability to Challenge

Equally, we want someone who can challenge. Someone who is prepared to ask difficult questions, hold high standards and bring fresh thinking. The right candidate will have the confidence to challenge when needed, but the emotional intelligence to do so in a way that builds trust, strengthens relationships and brings people with them.

We value different perspectives, different experiences and people who see things others may miss. We do not want a replica of the leaders already in our school. We want someone who will complement our strengths, challenge our thinking and help us become even better.

The successful candidate will be ambitious, but humble. Confident, but grounded. Relentless in their pursuit of excellence, while remaining deeply committed to the people around them. They will care about culture as much as outcomes, understand that leadership is about service and be motivated by the success of others rather than personal recognition. If you are looking for a school where you can lead authentically, contribute meaningfully, challenge positively and be part of a team united by purpose, then we would love to hear from you. This is not about finding the most experienced person. It is about finding the right person. Someone who shares our values, believes in our students and is ready to play a defining role in the next stage of our journey.

When you join TeamSCA, you become part of a community that celebrates success, supports one another and shares a collective commitment to improving the life chances of young people.

A Team That Cares

TeamSCA culture where colleagues support, celebrate and develop one another.
Staff social events throughout the year, including our annual summer BBQ.
A welcoming environment where people enjoy coming to work and feel valued.
Opportunities to contribute beyond your role and make a real impact as part of our Community Hub.

Invested in Your Development

A comprehensive induction programme to help you settle in quickly.
Access to high-quality professional development through United Learning.
Coaching, mentoring and bespoke leadership development.
Clear progression pathways, with colleagues regularly moving into senior and trust-wide leadership roles.
Free access to our on-site staff gym.
Dedicated wellbeing initiatives and support.
Additional healthcare and wellbeing benefits through United Learning.
A culture that recognises and celebrates success.

Making a Difference

Be part of a school at the heart of its community.
Support our thriving Community Hub and local partnerships.
Work alongside colleagues who are passionate about improving life chances.
Help deliver academic excellence and extraordinary character for every student.

Recognising Success

Staff recognition and reward initiatives.
Opportunities to share best practice across the academy and trust.
A culture where contribution, commitment and impact are genuinely valued.

Benefits of United Learning

www.unitedlearning.org.uk

As part of United Learning, you will benefit from being part of one of the country's largest and most successful school trusts, whilst retaining the unique identity and culture of Salford City Academy.
We pay an average of 5% above national scales – the best rates of pay in the sector.
We offer starting salaries of £43,680 in Inner London, and £36,400 nationally.
We offer a health cash plan giving you money towards essential medical treatment.
Our staff discount scheme saves you money on supermarket shopping, gym memberships, holidays and more.
All our academies start every term with an additional INSET day set aside for your own planning (in addition to the usual five INSET days - giving you eight in total).
At least one guaranteed paid personal day each year, to use as you want.
We offer opportunities for flexible working.
We provide high quality training and development for every stage in your career.
All staff benefit from a bespoke development plan to support your progression and aspirations.
Access to a comprehensive wellbeing programme, providing support with issues from legal and financial to family and housing; access to free counselling; and other wellbeing support.