Lead Psychologist

As the newest Academy within the Harris Federation, this is the perfect time to join us on our journey to become an outstanding school.

We recognise that students have one chance in education and we do everything we can to get the most out of each and every day. Of course, that means we are committed to securing the strongest academic outcomes for our students. We foster artistic creativity, wellbeing and leadership potential within a rich and diverse community.

Alongside that, we have a unique character and sense of fun, with staff and students joining together to celebrate ‘Culture Day’, Black History Month, and our Summer Arts Festival, to plant trees and flowers in our student garden, and to play, sing and dance in our annual school musical.

Visitors frequently comment about how friendly, eager and curious our students are.  They are ambitious and driven, and truly appreciate every teacher who helps them achieve their very best.

Vision and values

Our core values of determination, integrity, curiosity and empathy inspire and nurture a passion for learning and success with a strong sense of inclusivity, individuality and responsibility. We use our voices purposefully as global citizens.

Our moral purpose is to ensure our students and staff have access to the best possible futures and contribute positively to society through an outstanding careers/development programme, excellent leadership, and coaching.

The enthusiasm, discipline and ambition of our students combined with the high expectations, outstanding teaching and creative dedication of our staff makes our vision a reality.

Our location

Located in the heart of Brent, North West London, we benefit from excellent transport links throughout our local area. Several tube lines are within walking distance and there are numerous bus routes for journeys across our capital. Many colleagues choose to drive to work and make use of our onsite car parks.

Our modern, dramatic glass building was designed by the world-renowned architect Norman Foster. Foster and Partners has been responsible for many iconic buildings, including Apple Park, Heathrow Terminal 2 and The Gherkin in the City of London.

We have exemplary facilities for our staff and students. Sports are excellently catered for with several tennis courts, an all weather pitch, and a gymnasium with tiered seating used by top-flight basketball team London Elite. Likewise the art that adorns our walls is developing in our multitude of workshops and specialist textiles, machinery or media suites. Our science faculty has specialist teaching laboratories, as well as a new T level Healthcare practice facility.

Why work for us?

Professional development

Teaching staff and support staff benefit from an in-house programme of research-based CPD throughout the year. In addition to weekly twilight sessions covering teaching & learning, behaviour management, diversity, equity & inclusion, staff have access to:

• Instructional coaching or leadership coaching
• Fully-funded NPQs through the National Institute of Teaching
• Bespoke 'professional studies' for training teachers
• ECT programme through the National Institute of Teaching
• Harris subject networks, Harris conference and other Federation CPD opportunities
• Funding to attend external CPD relevant to the role

Wellbeing

We know the best way to ensure our students flourish is to provide a supportive and collaborative atmosphere for staff.

We recognise that staff wellbeing is best secured through routine policy and practice. Whilst we are proud of our wellbeing calendar, we focus on reducing unnecessary workload, increasing collaboration within teams, and leaders at all levels ensure of systems are designed to maximise the impact of our work.

In addition to our core approach, we seek staff voice to offer what our community wants. Throughout the year, this includes:

• Directed time dedicated to marking and moderation
• Weekly time set aside for Planning and Preparation as department teams
• Twice weekly staff sports including free staff yoga with a qualified instructor
• Access to in-house therapeutic support
• Termly whole staff events, organised by our team of Wellbeing Champions
• Weekly HR surgeries
• Discounted membership to the Willesden Sports Centre

If you are interested in joining us on our journey to Outstanding, we would love to hear from you. Please find out more by emailing us at Info@harrislowewillesden.org.uk.