Job Introduction
Charles Read Academy is recruiting for an inspirational and dynamic Principal, ideally to join in September 2025.
Are you passionate about improving the lives of young people and ensuring they get their entitlement to an excellent education? Are you an ambitious and motivational leader? Do you want to lead a school that promotes living life to the full, for staff and students?
Who we are looking for
We are looking for someone who is passionate about improving the lives of young people. Someone who is looking for a Headship in a Trust which understands the importance of a well-rounded education with excellent academic support as well as an excellent co-curricular offer.
The Principal will be ready to lead a teaching team of well qualified subject specialists who have a thirst for research to inform their practice. They will be a leader who wants to be at the forefront of crafting an exceptional enrichment offer that gives young people the thrill of belonging to something joyful and successful.
Accountable to the Executive Principal, the Principal will lead the strategic development of this successful academy in making a real difference to the lives of our students.
About our Academy
Charles Read Academy is a big part of its local community and it’s ready for the next stage in its development.
As part of the David Ross Education Trust, we are passionate about inspiring all young people to achieve their best. To take us forward, our new Principal will combine these two elements - building strong connections with all members of the community and supporting them in achieving our high expectations for their success.
The knowledge, skills and abilities we are looking for
This role would suit a colleague who has proven success as a Vice Principal, Head of School or an experienced Principal looking to bring their expertise to DRET.
- As a leader you will have vision, ambition and the resilience to drive forward improvements in standards and outcomes across the school. You will be a highly visible role model and will inspire and motivate the community aligning students, parents/carers and staff with the CRA vision.
- You will need to have excellent communication skills, be approachable and a good listener whilst leading with the authority and autonomy of an experienced leader.
- You will be fully abreast of the latest thinking around curriculum and have a clear educational philosophy promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in advocating for children with special educational needs.
- You will have a commitment to your own professional development as well as those who work in your team and will contribute to the wider life both at the school and within the Trust.
- To be successful, you will need to be able to demonstrate experience being in a similar role with clear evidence of the successful management of whole school improvement strategies and effective school development planning.
Salary and Benefits
- £79,475-£87,651 per annum FTE (L20 to L24)
- Access to Teachers’ Pension Scheme
- 31 days annual leave plus statutory holidays
- CPD including Senior Leader and Knowledge Development Courses
- Regional networks of Trust colleagues and access to key leaders in Education
- Commitment to employee Health and Wellbeing including dedicated Employee Assistance Programme
- Awards and Recognition Scheme
- Benefits Platform
- Cycle to Work Scheme
This is a permanent, full-time role.
The application process
This is such an important role for us and finding our perfect match is key; please do get in touch with our Recruitment Team on recruitment@dret.co.uk to arrange an informal call with the Executive Principal or, even better, come and visit to see us at work.
To complete our on-line application form, please use the ‘apply now’ tab.
Please submit your application by 09:00 on Wednesday 26th March 2025.
Interviews are scheduled for 31st March 2025 and 1st April 2025 (with successful candidates from day one invited to day two).
The David Ross Education Trust is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.
It is our objective to ensure that job applicants and staff are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential. We do not discriminate against any applicants on the basis of any protected characteristics.
The David Ross Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo vetting appropriate to the post, including a social media presence check and Enhanced DBS check. The successful applicant will be expected to adhere to all safeguarding, welfare and health and safety policies and procedures of the Trust.
All pre-employment checks are in line with "Keeping Children Safe in Education" statutory guidance.
Fluency Duty
In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
The school advertising the vacancy will contact you directly regarding the outcome of your application and any interviews. When interviews are taking place schools will follow all Government and Public Health England Guidelines.
All shortlisted candidates will need to verify their eligibility to work in the UK at interview.
