Vice Principal (Principal Fast Track Programme)

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 have a unique opportunity to appoint an experienced Vice Principal/Deputy Head as part of our primary education Accelerated Principal Programme. The programme will help prepare you for your first principalship, and we will invest in your knowledge and expertise through regular support, coaching and a wide range of professional development and training.

We are interested to hear from talented senior leaders who are currently part of a senior leadership team and have experience of working within a successful or improving primary school. This is an excellent opportunity for leadership development and progression, and to join a highly collaborative network of academies working alongside fellow Academy Principals from across the wider Federation. 

Your opportunity

Our fast-track programme offers support, mentoring and a rewarding environment to hone your skills in preparation for your first Principalship with 24 months, depending on experience.

As a Vice Principal on our fast-track programme, you will be supported by one our established Assistant Directors whilst working across a number of our primary academies to build your skills and develop leadership qualities. You will help to ensure a high quality of provision, including contributing actively towards the formulation of school policies and procedures and ensuring their consistent implementation across the academies you work with. You will also help to lead on teaching and learning and leadership development, contributing significantly to the Improvement Plans of the academies you support, playing a major role in helping to determine their strategy.

You will also support in the quality of teaching and learning, including assessment, supporting with the day to day running academies and work with all staff, parents, carers and volunteers. The post of Vice Principal mirrors the role of the Head of Academy and the successful candidate will be supported as you prepare for your first principalship at a Harris Academy. 

We can offer you a range of bespoke courses and qualifications through our Leadership College, including our your NPQH for aspiring principals.

What we are looking for

The successful candidate will:

• Hold QTS (or equivalent) and a good undergraduate degree
• Show evidence of continuous self-development and updated knowledge in the fields of teaching and learning and education management
• Demonstrate a proven track record in producing high quality achievements for all children, ideally with at least 5 years' teaching experience in a culturally and linguistically diverse environment
• Have experience of involvement in assessment, pupil tracking and record keeping and effective data analysis and target setting
• Have recent experience of involvement in innovative curriculum development, and of embedding innovative strategies for improving teaching and learning in a whole school situation
• Display excellent written and oral communication skills and experience of presenting to a wide audience, with evidence of successful working relationships with parents and carers, Governors, outside agencies and the local community
• Have good knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum and the National Curriculum for KS1 and KS2

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

About Primary Education at Harris

Primary education at Harris comprises 20 Primary and 3 all-through academies, and a brand new standalone nursery hub, with every inspected academy has been judged Good or Outstanding (79% Outstanding). Some of these academies are new free schools, but most were previously failing schools located in challenging areas of London.

Informal conversations are welcomed and visits to our academies are highly encouraged. If you would like to discuss the post in confidence please call 020 8253 7777 or email deirdre.thorogood@harrisfederation.org.uk to arrange a conversation with Sabeena Hassan, Primary Director.

For further information, please contact Laurence Johnson on laurence.johnson@harrisfederation.org.uk.

Our Central Team

Our central team comprises of a dedicated, driven group of departments working centrally to provide support across the Federation and all 48 of our academies. Across a multitude of key departments, we maintain an outstanding body of staff all integral to supporting central and academy finance, HR, Data, Estates management, Talent and many more. We look for dedicated experts in their fields to support the . If you are a committed leader in your role and would like to join the administration and operational development of a highly successful multi-academy trust, then this may be the opportunity for you.

Our Benefits Package

In addition to the opportunities for career progression, training and development, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package.

Find out more about Our Benefits

Being a part of the Harris Federation

We are recognised as the top performing large multi-academy trust in England for primary and secondary education. Closing the gap between young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers has always been a core mission of Harris. Holding a reputation for bringing transformative approaches to education, we hold a unrivalled track record in achieving success through rapid school improvement.

Our people are at the heart of this success. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of training programmes available at every stage of your career.

We look for talented individuals who share our vision for creating exceptional places of learning, and are committed to ensuring that every child in London has access to the best possible education.

Learn more About Harris and our Vision and Values

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants.

Read our Statement on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders

Diversity and Equality

We are committed to equality and to valuing diversity as an employer and a provider of education.

Read our Diversity and Equality Notice