Ark Byron Primary Academy - Principal

Do you have the vision, passion and rigour to lead Ark Byron Primary Academy at this pivotal and exciting time in its development?

We opened Ark Byron Primary Academy in September 2015 and now have five-year groups, ranging from Reception to Year 4 and a total of 300 pupils. At Ark Byron we are committed to providing the best possible education and experience, whilst also expecting the highest standards, from staff, pupils and parents. The school is not selective, nor fee paying and welcomes pupils from all backgrounds. Set in a beautiful park setting, so unique for inner London, Ark Byron has already established a strong local reputation.

We believe in high academic standards but learning at Ark Byron is not simply about academic achievement. We want to develop the whole child to have caring, considerate pupils with a love of learning. Please look at our news pages to glimpse some of the varied learning experiences enjoyed by Byron children. Ofsted has graded us as “good” (November 2018) and there is a copy of the report on this website.

We are now looking for an exceptional and inspiring Principal to lead Ark Byron Primary Academy through the next chapter in its history. The new leader will enter a well-established and high-profile school with much to be proud of and celebrate, but we will not stop there as there is always more to do and achieve. Through outstanding leadership, teaching and pastoral support we provide an inspirational environment which celebrates success and encourages pupils to strive for excellence in everything they do. 

Ideal candidates will:

• Have a very clear understanding of what makes an exceptional school and the skills and character required to develop this (rigorous planning, high expectations, great CPD, strong leadership, honesty, kindness, passion, commitment and resilience)
• Be a great teacher themselves. As a leader of teaching, we are looking for someone who really knows what great learning looks like in the classroom and how to achieve it.
• Be fully aligned with Ark’s values and six pillars
• Be excited by, and committed to, supporting practices that will drive great progress in the Ark London area and across the wider network of Ark schools

In return, you will work with an experienced Executive Principal and Regional Director and will be given the opportunity to broaden and develop your skills. We are committed to providing staff with high-quality and regular CPD. We know that great schools need great senior leaders, which is why we are always keen to hear from people who share our belief that an excellent education is central to transforming lives.

This is a rare opportunity to lead across the  primary school as part of an ambitious and aspirational senior leadership team, driving our primary school in an exciting next phase of its development, whilst having the opportunity to be part of the strong London regional cluster of schools and whole Ark Schools network. The successful candidate will have the full support of Ark to ensure Byron Primary Academy makes a lasting contribution to its community, supporting local children to fulfil their ambitions.

If you are interested in finding out more about this opportunity, please contact Jacqueline Steele, Regional Director -  Primary at jacqueline.steele@arkonline.org for a confidential discussion.

Salary: Highly competitive package, negotiable according to experience  

Proposed start Date: September 2020 

Contract: Permanent, full-time 

Location: Acton Park Depot, The Vale, London W3 7JT

Closing date:  2nd April 2020 at 10am

Interviews: Interviews will be arranged as suitable candidates are identified, so early application is strongly advised

We value diversity and are committed to safeguarding and promoting child welfare. The successful candidate will be subject to DBS and any other relevant employment checks.