Head of Academy

Your opportunity

We are seeking an outstanding Head of Academy to work within our high performing Academy. You will be a successful senior leader with a very strong record of school improvement, ideally including significant experience in inner-city, multi-racial and urban areas. 

In line with the Government’s announcement, our academy is closed until further notice. However, during this period it is our intention to continue with critical recruitment for key positions starting in September 2020. In place of academy interviews, alternative options will be offered so that no one is at a disadvantage, and applicants should expect telephone or virtual interviews, with the possibility of onsite academy interviews only in special cases. We want to reassure applicants that effective measures have been implemented to ensure their health and wellbeing whilst on academy premises.

Thank you for your cooperation during this difficult time.

The Role

As Head of Academy, you will work under the direction of the Executive Principal to provide professional leadership to help ensure success by securing outstanding overall effectiveness. Leading on continuous improvements in teaching, learning and assessment practice, the post holder will be responsible for creating a productive, disciplined learning environment and for the day-to-day management and organisation of the academy. The post holder will deputise for the Executive Principal on all occasions - as appropriate. They should also secure the commitment of the wider community by developing and maintaining effective networks with for example; other academies/ schools, other institutions, employers, careers services and with the Harris Federation.

You will have a wealth of opportunities to develop as a leader with the Harris Federation. We can offer you a range of bespoke courses and qualifications through our Teaching School, including our Aspiring Leaders NPQH for aspiring principals. Succession planning is a key part of our success as a Federation, and we believe that we are at the forefront of developing the next generation of Leaders. We can help prepare you for your next Senior Leadership challenge, investing in your knowledge and expertise through regular support, coaching and a wide range of professional development and training.

What we are looking for

We look for talented individuals who want to be a part of transforming education in London, and helping create exceptional places of learning. As Head of Academy:

• You will be an outstanding communicator, with proven strengths in engaging with, inspiring and motivating, not just the school community but also the wider community.
• You will have experience across the full secondary age range.
• Your understanding of school improvement strategies will be matched by your ability to manage change and to motivate staff and the community towards the achievement of clear and inspirational goals.
• Above all, you will possess a relentless drive to raise standards and secure outstanding teaching at the academy for all of our students.

Please download the job pack for a full job description and person specification.

About Harris City Academy Crystal Palace:

Harris City Academy Crystal Palace is a mixed Academy for 1,300 students aged 11-18, with a large sixth form of over 350 students. The Academy has three consecutive Outstanding judgments by Ofsted, with the most recent inspection in 2014 finding the Academy to be Outstanding in every aspect. We are a consistently high performing school; in 2019, our progress 8 score was 0.61, 94% of our students achieved a 4+ in English and 86% in maths. Our motto, ‘All Can Achieve’ encapsulates our vision that all members of the Academy community are supported and encouraged to achieve their absolute potential.

As a Teaching School, we are able to offer all teachers an extensive programme of first class professional development, including both an Academy and Federation NQT programme. Harris City Academy Crystal Palace is part of the Harris Federation and this enables us to offer you a comprehensive induction programme and training and development opportunities to support your career development including Masters and other qualifications.

Why work at Harris City Academy Crystal Palace?

A long established and highly successful school: one of the most oversubscribed in the country and the top school in Croydon at Attainment 8 2017

As a Teaching School, we are able to offer all teachers an extensive programme of first class professional development and a vibrant learning community giving all the opportunities to excel.

All the advantages of a successful academy group, including a strong central team of support, teaching and leadership staff

Generous Harris rewards and benefits package

Harris Benefits

As part of the Harris Federation, we can offer you a range of benefits, including:

• A network of fellow senior leaders and Principals with a wealth of knowledge and expertise
• Support and mentoring from some of the best executive leaders in education
• Unrivalled opportunities for leadership progression and preparing you for your first Principalship
• Pension scheme (TPS) and access to our Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan, covering a range of health and wellbeing benefits
• Plus, the opportunity to work with our amazing students!

Click here for a full list of Harris benefits. 

The Harris Federation

The Harris Federation is the leading large Multi Academy Trust in the country for both primary and secondary education. We have an established reputation in transforming education in London and an unrivalled track record in achieving success through rapid school improvement.

Harris is a Federation and not a chain; each academy is different, reflecting the particular aspirations and leadership style of its Principal. Our vision is that Harris academies work collaboratively in sharing school improvement strategies, and support one another as part of the wider Harris Federation.

We look for talented leaders who want to help transform education in London, and create exceptional places of learning.

Please note: academies may hold interviews as and when applications are received, and this job may be withdrawn at any point without notice. You will still be able to add information until the closing date, but you will not be able to submit your application. With this in mind, you are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Harris academies are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants. In line with our commitments to safeguarding, the Harris Federation uses preferred agencies and is unable to work with any agencies where Terms of Business have not been agreed by both parties prior to an engagement. Harris Federation is fully committed to equality and to valuing diversity as an employer and a provider of education. Click here to view our full equality and diversity statement.