Principal

Due to the retirement of the current postholder, we are now recruiting for the Principal for Milestone Academy, our large all-through PSCN special school judged outstanding three times in a row by Ofsted. This is a truly rare leadership opportunity within a very successful and financially sound, mature and geographically local multi-academy trust that combines management freedom for effective leaders with secure central support that encourages collaboration for success. We have a passion for special needs education and our approach is highly inclusive. We are looking for an outstanding senior colleague to lead Milestone on the next stage of its remarkable journey.

Milestone joined Leigh Academies Trust in September 2012.  It is a very large, but exceptional  academy, currently serving 383 students aged 2-19 with Special Educational Needs. It has been recognised as Outstanding by Ofsted in its last three inspections - most recently in December 2019. Each day the students bring their own unique energy into their academy and in turn leaders and staff ensure that they receive the best education and care possible.

The academy comprises a main site and three satellite provisions, each of which are based within other LAT mainstream academies. A fourth satellite, providing an off-site provision for nursery-age pupils is currently under development. Leaders at Milestone also make a significant contribution to the wider Trust, especially through support for our various mainstream specialist resource provisions.

The academy recognises that adopting a personalised approach is key for each pupil’s development. It therefore invests a significant amount of time assessing their needs, ensuring it responds in the most specific manner. Personal independence is an aim for each pupil. The academy strives to accelerate the development of life skills and communication techniques. In parallel, each pupil is taught the appropriate national curriculum subjects, as well as literacy and numeracy skills.

Our successful candidate will receive encouragement, support and guidance not only to lead the academy but also to develop their own career within the Trust.  You will already be an exceptional senior leader at a successful special school with real ambition to improve the life chances of every pupil at Milestone Academy. We will expect the Principal to further develop a positive culture where every pupil is expected to do well and their progress is supported every step of the way.

Click here to view the full Recruitment Pack. 

We wish to hear from you if you really want to change our education world and are:

• an enthusiastic, energetic and ambitious school leader with a track record of success within special education;
• a motivational and inspirational leader with high expectations of staff;
• confident and able to communicate a clear vision for the school;
• able to develop children to reach their full potential regardless of background or circumstance;
• approachable and keen to work with staff across the Trust to ensure wide success;
• able to establish and develop excellent relationships with the community and other stakeholders.

What we can offer you:

• a competitive salary along with private healthcare and an opportunity to earn a performance bonus;
• an exciting LAT career path with opportunities for further progression in the future;
• security and support on your journey from close collaboration with a small central executive and a larger group of talented Principals to share best practice and innovation.

Arranging a visit to the academy: On the basis that interested candidates will be keen to visit the academy before making a formal application, you can arrange this by contacting Emma Johnson (EA to CEO) emma.johnson@latrust.org.uk.

Visits will be hosted by Simon Beamish, our Chief Executive. Social distancing and other Covid-secure safety measures will be observed at all times following latest government guidelines. Please ensure you offer Emma a range of dates when you are available in your initial email to ensure we can coordinate a visit.

Candidates wishing to have an initial conversation with the CEO about this role can also arrange for a telephone call. Those wishing to do so should also contact Emma Johnson in the first instance.

Application and Selection Process: Suitable and interested candidates are invited to complete an online application detailing why they are suitable for the role. This can be submitted on Jobtrain by clicking the ‘Apply for job’ button at the bottom of the page.

Application closing date:      Monday 25th January 2021 (12 noon)

(shortlisting takes place on Tuesday 26th January - successful candidates will be informed straight away afterwards).

Interview date:         Thursday 4th and Friday 5th February 2021

If you have any queries on any aspect of the application process or need additional information, please contact Holly Neve (LAT Talent Team) on holly.neve@latrust.org.uk

Diversity at our core: As a Trust we are passionate about diversity and recognise that as individuals we all bring something unique to the role regardless of age, gender, race, beliefs or disabilities which is why we treat all of our people equally, without compromise.

The academy is committed to safeguarding children and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check.  Our commitment to safeguarding is underpinned by robust processes and checks which are in place across the Trust.