Assistant Principal (Quality of Education)

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced Middle or Senior Leader seeking a fresh challenge.

Does the prospect of helping to shape the future of Purple Oaks Academy excite you? Are you ready to take a focused lead on Quality of Education across the setting?

We’re looking for an exceptional leader who:

• Has experience of teaching young people with significant and complex special educational needs and/or disabilities and is committed to adapting learning to the needs of individuals
• Is able to lead a team of professionals working around the students and engage with stakeholders, including therapists, the local authority and care workers
• Is dedicated to providing students with the best education possible and has the vision, passion and proven track record in school improvement to ensure significant improvements in performance across the academy
• Has an effective leadership style that encourages innovation and confidence and develops a positive culture amongst staff
• Can build positive relationships with staff, students and families alike
• Is able to demonstrate the values that underpin our approach to supporting students

About us

At Purple Oaks Academy, we understand that no two students will react to one lesson in the same way, so we go the extra mile to develop curricula that are engaging, challenging, thought-provoking and, above all, life-changing – and that’s where you come in.

As Assistant Principal for Quality of Education, you will collaborate with the rest of the senior leadership team to transform our way of thinking and working. We want to lead the way on education for Autistic pupils – many of whom have cognitive and sensory difficulties, as well as associated conditions such as ADHD.

We are an extremely popular setting for families, oversubscribed and soon to transition our Post-16 students to a nearby satellite. Our classes of between six and ten consist of two teaching assistants and a teacher, depending on students’ needs.

We’re perfectly positioned to transform the way the world approaches Autism and open our students’ eyes to their own potential and the opportunities around them. We take time to carefully consider our Out and About visits so they enhance learning whilst supporting and challenging our students to work on the key curriculum drivers of communication, independence and emotional regulation.

In shaping students’ education, we are constantly preparing them for adulthood, whatever their strengths and areas for development, so it is crucial that you lead and develop appropriate curricula to engage and challenge our students – taking a long-term overview whilst remaining resolutely focused on the little details that really matter.

In return, we can promise you the challenge of your career and an environment where no two days and no two students are ever the same. You’ll be working with engaging, friendly and supportive colleagues amid outstanding facilities that are only six years old, including a sprawling green field, great staff parking and specialist teaching spaces, including Food Technology, Art, Science, a Sports Hall, Sensory Room, Soft Play, library and Learning Outside the Classroom. Should you be successful, you’ll have access to the perfect canvas on which to paint your vision of SEND teaching and learning as it should be.

If you’re ready to take on a new challenge, it’s time to apply!

In return

Being part of the Greenwood Academies Trust (GAT), you can be assured that you will be joining a successful Multi-Academy Trust that has a great track record in helping children to succeed, no matter what their background. The Trust is dedicated to valuing and developing the workforce, whether that be through ensuring a fair workload or offering access to bespoke CPD from the Learning Alliance to enhance professional growth.

We believe in looking after the people who make a huge difference to our children, their families and the communities we serve. That’s why we give everyone who joins a Perkbox account – with 24/7 access to perks and discounts, plus curated wellbeing tools to look after your physical and mental health. It’s part of our commitment to look after you.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Hundreds of global and local perks, available online 24/7
• Shopping discounts from the biggest brands, all year round
• Saving money on everything from the supermarket shop to summer holidays
• A free Employee Assistance Programme from Health Assured

For further information, please click here.

Closing date: 22 April 2024.

If this post attracts sufficient interest before the closing date, we may decide to close this vacancy at an earlier date, so an early application is advised.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff to share this commitment and undergo appropriate checks; therefore, all posts within the Trust are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. It is an offence to apply for a role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

All adults employed by the Trust have a responsibility for data protection and have a duty to observe and follow the principles of the GDPR Regulations.

The Trust welcomes applications from all, irrespective of gender, marital status, disability, race, age or sexual orientation.

All applicants must be able to provide evidence of their Right to Work in the UK prior to commencement of employment. As part of our need to comply with UK immigration rules, you will be required to provide Home Office stipulated documentation prior to interview.