Principal

Lodge Park Academy is a big part of its local community and it’s ready for the next stage in its development. Part of the David Ross Education Trust, we are passionate about inspiring all young people to achieve their best. We are now looking for an experienced and dynamic Principal to take us forward, combining these two elements - building strong connections with all members of the community and supporting them in achieving our high expectations for their success.  

Are you passionate about improving the lives of young people? Are you looking for a Headship in a Trust which understands the importance of knowledge in the development of our students? Are you ready to lead a teaching team of well qualified subject specialists with a thirst for research to inform their practice? Do you want to be at the forefront of crafting an exceptional enrichment offer that gives young people the thrill of belonging to something joyful and successful? 

Accountable to the Executive Principal, you will share in the strategic development of this lively academy and be the operational lead in making a real difference to the lives of our students. 

This is such an important role for us and finding our perfect match is key; please do get in touch with our Executive Principal for an informal call or even better, come and visit to see us at work. 

See what it means and feels like to be part of the DRET Way. 

Salary & Benefits 

L32 - L37 (£101,066.00-£114,239.00)

• Competitive Salary – commensurate with level of experience 
• Access to Teachers’ Pension Scheme 
• CPD including Senior Leader and Knowledge Development Courses 
• Regional networks of Trust colleagues and access to key leaders in Education 
• Commitment to employee Health and Wellbeing including dedicated Employee Assistance Programme 
• Rewards and Recognition Scheme 
• Benefits Platform 
• discounts on car leasing 
• holiday discounts 
• cinema tickets 
• restaurant booking discounts 
• Cycle to Work Scheme 

Who we are looking for 

This role would suit a colleague who has proven success as Head of School in a large school or an experienced Principal looking to bring their considerable expertise to DRET. Colleagues with successful Vice Principal experience in a large school may also wish to apply. 

As a leader you will have vision, ambition and the resilience to drive forward improvements in standards and outcomes across the school. You will be a highly visible role model and will inspire and motivate the community aligning students, parents and staff with the LPA vision. 

You will need to have excellent communication skills, be approachable and a good listener whilst leading with the authority and autonomy of an experienced leader. 

You will be fully abreast of the latest thinking around curriculum and have a clear educational philosophy promoting equality and diversity, inclusion in advocating for children with special educational needs. 

You will have a commitment to your own professional development as well as those who work in your team and will contribute to the wider life both at the school and within the Trust. 

To be successful, you will need to be able to demonstrate experience being in a similar role with clear evidence of the successful management of whole school improvement strategies and effective school development planning.  

For information regarding the role and a tour of our Academy, please contact Sue Jones, Executive Principal, on sjones3@dret.co.uk.

See the attached Candidate Information Pack, which includes the job description and person specification for further detail about Lodge Park Academy and the LPA Way.

We are looking for someone to join us in September 2024 or January 2025 (or earlier by arrangement). This is a full time and permanent position.

About The David Ross Education Trust

The David Ross Education Trust (DRET) mission is to give every child attending one of our schools a world-class education.

Broadening the horizons of young people by inspiring students to become their confident, academic best via an education that creates academically gifted, confident, well-rounded young people in the classroom, in the workplace and in their communities. 

Whatever your role you will contribute towards creating a rich and exciting learning environment that also offers our students an unrivalled package of sporting and cultural enrichment.

Our aim is to be the country’s top-performing Multi-Academy Trust (MAT). Recognised as a nationwide system leader, the Trust runs 34 schools between London and Yorkshire, ranging from small rural primaries to much larger secondary schools in urban areas. We have an all through school in London based on the Olympic Park as well as a special school in Lincolnshire which caters for pupils aged 2-19 who have a diverse range of special educational needs.

We are incredibly lucky to be able to work alongside outstanding organisations and individuals who are happy to share their expertise and skills in supporting the David Ross Foundation's vision to give children better life chances through access to the best education and support we can give them.

Apply now

To complete our on-line application form, please click on ‘apply now’.

Early applications are advised. We receive high numbers of applications for our roles and therefore have to close the vacancy prior to the closing date in order to review candidates’ details against our job criteria before shortlisting or re-opening the vacancy.

The David Ross Education Trust is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment for our students and staff.

It is our objective to ensure that job applicants and staff are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential. We do not discriminate against any applicants on the basis of any protected characteristics.

The David Ross Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo vetting appropriate to the post, including a social media presence check and Enhanced DBS check. The successful applicant will be expected to adhere to all safeguarding, welfare and health and safety policies and procedures of the Trust.

Benefits:

To see the benefits of working with us, please visit https://www.dret.co.uk/Join-Our-Team/