Assistant Principal

Required to start: 20 April 2026

Assistant Principal

Salary: Leadership Scale Point 8-12

Hillcrest Academy is seeking to recruit an inspirational colleague for the role of Assistant Principal. This role is of great importance to our work as an academy. The successful candidate will be responsible for supporting the Academy’s Development Plan and has a desire to make a real difference to the lives and chances of our children. The successful candidate will be passionate, committed and driven to deliver inspirational leadership to school staff and young people in a disadvantaged community. An interest or experience of working in Early Years of as a SENCo would be preferrable however, we would very much welcome applications from candidates who want to make a difference to the life chances of vulnerable children.

Potential applicants should be:

·       A colleague with a successful record of teaching with strong examination results at one or more of KS1 or KS2 (applicants who have already gained Qualified Teacher Status).

·       An Outstanding classroom practitioner.

Applicants should also have:

·       A positive and optimistic approach to working with young people.

·       The ability to set high expectations and challenge under-achievement whilst retaining
a positive and encouraging working relationship.

·       Evidence of impact in improving student outcomes at subject or whole school level.

·       Experience of engaging effectively with parents and carers in learning.

·       A good focus on standards in order to raise achievements.

What we offer you:

As a trust, we want to ensure that professionals at every stage in their career have the opportunity to enjoy expert support and training. We are pleased to offer a generous benefits package to our team – as we work together to create a rewarding future for all including:

·       Membership of a teacher or local government pension scheme, depending on the role.

·       A commitment to continued investment in our professionals, supporting every member of staff throughout their career in the trust.

·       Access to an Employee Assistance Programme which provides confidential professional advice and support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

·       £2k Cycle to work scheme.

About us:

At Hillcrest Academy, we firmly believe that children have one chance, and that we have the opportunity and responsibility to create young people who have all the skills and characteristics needed to go on to greatness. We are proud of our role at the centre of a vibrant, wonderful community, we feel privileged to welcome every child and family into our holistic academy. It is our promise to ensure that children currently living in the Chapeltown, Harehills and surrounding areas of Leeds enjoy access to a truly inspirational primary academy. We continue to show through our work in partnership with other schools and colleagues within The GORSE Academies Trust that no barrier will in any way limit either the quality of a child’s educational experience or the levels of achievement to which our children are able to rise.

Please note if you submit an electronic application, we will not require a hard copy. CVs are not accepted.

Closing date for applications:                     Friday 6 February 2026 at 9am

Interviews will take place:                           Thursday 12 February 2026

We are committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to full employment checks, including an enhanced DBS disclosure and barring service check. We promote diversity and aim to establish a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds.   

Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK – either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply for this position.