Vice Principal - Curriculum & Teaching

Longsands Academy; St. Neots; On-site; GBP 84,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

Longsands Academy in St Neots is seeking a Vice Principal for Curriculum & Teaching to shape the educational vision and secure an ambitious curriculum and high-quality teaching.

You will lead curriculum design, teaching, learning and assessment, coach leaders and teachers, and drive improvements across departments, ensuring every scholar reaches their full potential.

Qualifications

• An outstanding classroom practitioner with a proven track record of securing excellent outcomes for scholars.
• Successful experience in senior or substantial middle leadership.
• Experience of leading curriculum, teaching and learning, or school improvement initiatives with demonstrable impact.
• A strong record of coaching and developing teachers and leaders to improve practice.
• Expertise in curriculum design, assessment and quality assurance.
• Experience of using data effectively to drive improvement and close achievement gaps.
• The ability to inspire, influence and motivate colleagues at all levels.
• A leader who shares our ambition, values and commitment to delivering an exceptional education for every scholar.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for curriculum, teaching, learning and assessment across the academy.
• Lead the development and implementation of an ambitious, knowledge-rich curriculum.
• Drive improvements in teaching quality through coaching, mentoring and professional development.
• Monitor and evaluate the quality of education, ensuring consistently high standards across all departments.
• Use assessment and performance data to inform improvement planning and raise scholar achievement.
• Lead and support curriculum and subject leaders to secure excellence in their areas.
• Contribute to whole‑school improvement planning and the strategic direction of the academy.
• Promote a culture of high expectations, scholarship and continuous improvement for staff and scholars alike.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Coaching & mentoring

Curriculum design

Data-driven improvement

Teaching excellence

Stakeholder influence

Vision & leadership

Educational standards

Job description

Longsands Academy

Salary: LS20-24 (£84,303 - £92,967)
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Start Date: January 2027
Closing Date: 9 October 2026

About Longsands Academy

Longsands Academy is a highly ambitious and successful secondary academy serving the St Neots community. Guided by our values of Scholarship, Tenacity, Curiosity, Respect and Responsibility, we are committed to providing an exceptional education that transforms life chances and opens doors to future success. As part of Astrea Academy Trust, we deliver a knowledge-rich curriculum, maintain the highest expectations of scholarship and behaviour, and invest significantly in the development of our staff. Our culture is one of collaboration, ambition and continuous improvement, where talented professionals are supported to flourish and make a lasting difference to the lives of young people.

The Role

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to join Longsands Academy as Vice Principal for Curriculum & Teaching. As a key member of the senior leadership team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering the academy's educational vision, ensuring every scholar benefits from an ambitious curriculum and consistently excellent teaching.

We are looking for an exceptional leader who can combine strategic thinking with outstanding classroom expertise. You will lead school-wide improvements in curriculum design, teaching, learning and assessment, while developing colleagues through coaching, mentoring and professional development. Your leadership will ensure that high-quality teaching remains at the heart of everything we do and that every scholar is empowered to achieve their full potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for curriculum, teaching, learning and assessment across the academy.
• Lead the development and implementation of an ambitious, knowledge-rich curriculum.
• Drive improvements in teaching quality through coaching, mentoring and professional development.
• Monitor and evaluate the quality of education, ensuring consistently high standards across all departments.
• Use assessment and performance data to inform improvement planning and raise scholar achievement.
• Lead and support curriculum and subject leaders to secure excellence in their areas.
• Contribute to whole‑school improvement planning and the strategic direction of the academy.
• Promote a culture of high expectations, scholarship and continuous improvement for staff and scholars alike.

What We're Looking For

• An outstanding classroom practitioner with a proven track record of securing excellent outcomes for scholars.
• Successful experience in senior or substantial middle leadership.
• Experience of leading curriculum, teaching and learning, or school improvement initiatives with demonstrable impact.
• A strong record of coaching and developing teachers and leaders to improve practice.
• Expertise in curriculum design, assessment and quality assurance.
• Experience of using data effectively to drive improvement and close achievement gaps.
• The ability to inspire, influence and motivate colleagues at all levels.
• A leader who shares our ambition, values and commitment to delivering an exceptional education for every scholar.

Commitment to Safeguarding and EDI:

Astrea Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory background checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check. We value diversity and welcome applications from underrepresented groups. As a Disability Confident employer, we provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to ensure all candidates can fully demonstrate their abilities.

In line with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 and the statutory Code of Practice, the Trust requires all public‑facing post holders to demonstrate fluent English. Within a school setting, this applies to all roles that involve direct or indirect interaction with pupils, parents, or members of the public.

Flexible Interview Dates:

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, so don't miss out on this exciting opportunity. Please note that interview dates are flexible, and the academy reserves the right to interview shortlisted candidates during the application window.

Ready to Make a Difference?

This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of Longsands Academy. We are seeking a leader with the expertise, vision and determination to drive improvement, develop colleagues and secure the highest standards of teaching and learning in every classroom, ensuring every scholar achieves more than they ever thought possible.