Vice Principal (Cromer)

Inspiration Trust; Cromer; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave and TPS

Health Plan and Employee Assistance

Cycle-to-work scheme and discounts

Free parking

CPD and induction programme

Job summary

Cromer Academy, part of Inspiration Trust, is seeking a Vice Principal to join the Senior Leadership Team. You will lead strategic development, drive school improvement and ensure robust policies while supporting inclusion and safeguarding.

The role requires a strong track record in senior leadership and a commitment to high standards in a dynamic educational environment. The successful candidate will influence professional development, coach staff, and collaborate across the Trust to deliver

Qualifications

• Experience of senior leadership in schools (Assistant Principal or similar).
• Experience in strategic planning in educational settings and implementing plans effectively.
• Proven practice in leading, motivating and supporting staff to high standards.
• NPQSL or NPQH qualification or working towards it.

Responsibilities

• Lead with the Senior Leadership Team to develop and drive school improvement.
• Ensure smooth operational running of the academy and adherence to policies.
• Support inclusion and safeguarding across the school.
• Present the academy and its partners positively to the wider community.
• Undertake line management as directed by the Principal.

Skills

Leadership experience

Strategic planning

Data analysis

Coaching & mentoring

Education

Degree and QTS

NPQSL or NPQH

Senior leadership role at multiple schools

Job description

Location: Cromer Academy, Norwich Road, Cromer, Norfolk, NR27 0EX

Full Time, Permanent

Start Date: February 2027

Cromer Academy is looking for an exceptional leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as Vice Principal. The successful candidate will be passionate about our vision of ensuring our children will be resilient and independent. They will be valued individuals who are confident to express themselves creatively and be provided with a wealth of experiences outside of a typical classroom to ensure they are happy and engaged.

What You’ll Be Doing

• To be a role model for other members of staff in the school, demonstrating through your day-to-day work the highest professional standards of conduct, collaboration and organisation.
• To work with the Senior Leadership Team to lead the continued development across the school.
• To support the strategic development, share good practice and plan and deliver collaborative activities beyond the school for the benefits of our pupils.
• To ensure smooth operational running of the school.
• To ensure all staff are aware of all school procedures and policies.
• To ensure implementation of the statutory requirements for all inclusion aspects of the work of the school.
• To present the school and its partners positively both within and beyond the school.
• To ensure that the Academy Quality Assurance procedures are undertaken rigorously.
• To undertake line management as directed by the Principal.

The ideal candidate will have

• An appropriate degree and Qualified Teacher Status.
• Experience of senior leadership in schools as an Assistant Principal or similarly senior member of staff.
• Experience of strategic planning in educational settings and the implementation of plans in an effective and efficient manner.
• Experience of participating in external school evaluation, such as through inspection or reviews.
• Successful involvement in performance management, self-evaluation process and data analysis as an aid in personal and team improvement, development and change.
• Successful experience in leading and managing pedagogic changes at a team, and preferably whole school level.
• Proven practice in leading, motivating and supporting staff to achieve high standards.
• The National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) or Headship (NPQH).
• Worked as a Senior Leader where leadership and management have been judged as outstanding by Ofsted
• Management experience in more than one school

Why Join Inspiration Trust

At Inspiration Trust, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. You’ll be joining a supportive, forward-thinking organisation that values professional development, collaboration, and innovation. We provide opportunities for growth and empower you to make a real impact in schools across Norfolk and north Suffolk. As part of our thriving network of talented teachers, leaders, and support staff, you’ll receive a varied professional development programme designed to help you be the best you can be.

We offer:

• Generous annual leave, and access to the Teachers' Pension Schemes (TPS) with excellent employer contributions
• Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 virtual GP access, mental health support and claim-back options for healthcare costs *
• Cycle-to-work scheme, retail and theatre discounts (including discounted shopping vouchers, dentist and gym memberships), and salary sacrifice options (including home technology). *
• Free parking at most sites
• Personalised CPD and development programmes
• A structured and specific induction programme.

About Us

Cromer Academy is a community school in the truest sense, serving as a hub for its local area and demonstrating ambition and determination for its young people. Situated within easy reach of some of the UK’s most spectacular beaches and countryside, Cromer Academy is far from a sleepy rural school.

The school offers a wide range of opportunities for pupils and the wider community, including study support and extracurricular programmes. Pupils are expected to work hard, remain committed to their learning, and uphold the high standards of behaviour that enable effective teaching and learning to take place.

What is it like to attend Cromer Academy? The school’s culture is deeply rooted in the heritage of the town it serves. It acts as a focal point where community achievements are celebrated, fostering a sense of pride and belonging among pupils. Students are encouraged to make a positive contribution to both the school and wider society, understanding that meeting the high aspirations set by their teachers is key to achieving their full potential.

Cromer Academy was inspected by Ofsted in May 2023. This is the first ungraded inspection since Ofsted judged the school to be Good overall in January 2017, with Outstanding for student personal development, behaviour and welfare; and for leadership and management.

We are part of the Inspiration Trust; a thriving family of schools across Norfolk and North Suffolk, recognised nationally for pupil progress and excellence in teaching and leadership. We believe every young person deserves the best education, regardless of background. Inspiration Trust specialises in transforming schools in disadvantaged areas and taking academies from failing to outstanding.

The Trust offers extensive networks and opportunities to collaborate with a diverse range of schools and partners. We are committed to delivering outstanding professional and learning opportunities for all staff, supported by a rich programme of continuing professional development led by some of the country’s leading educational thinkers and practitioners.

Closing date for applications: 9am on Monday 30th November 2026

Interview date: Thursday 10th December 2026

Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities

Inspiration Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All staff appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks. We are an equal opportunities employer.

About You

An outstanding Vice Principal is a visionary leader with strong leadership, resilience, and a commitment to raising achievements. You must exhibit strategic thinking to design, implement, and assess the educational framework of the academy. You will drive student outcomes by combining strategic foresight, strong data literacy, and the ability to empower teaching staff.You will also be a highly effective coach and mentor, inspiring teachers to refine their practice through constructive feedback, professional development, and collaborative learning.Above all, you must be passionate about education, relentlessly focused on improving outcomes for every pupil and empowering teachers to deliver exceptional learning experiences.

Essential:

• An appropriate degree and Qualified Teacher Status.
• Experience of senior leadership in schools as an Assistant Principal or similarly senior member of staff.
• Experience of strategic planning in educational settings and the implementation of plans in an effective and efficient manner.
• Experience of participating in external school evaluation, such as through inspection or reviews.
• Successful involvement in performance management, self-evaluation process and data analysis as an aid in personal and team improvement, development and change.
• Successful experience in leading and managing pedagogic changes at a team, and preferably whole school level.
• Proven practice in leading, motivating and supporting staff to achieve high standards.
• The National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) or Headship (NPQH).
• Worked as a Senior Leader where leadership and management have been judged as outstanding by Ofsted
• Management experience in more than one school

Desirable:

• A postgraduate qualification in education.
• The National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) or Headship (NPQH).
• Worked as a Senior Leader where leadership and management have been judged as outstanding by Ofsted
• Management experience in more than one school

Salary: Support Staff Pay Scale E: £23,852 to £25,424 pro-rata per annum (Actual) (£27,274 - £29,071 full time/full year equivalent)