Head of Academy

Harris Primary Academy Shortlands is a two-form entry school which opened in September 2014 in Bromley with our first Reception cohort. We believe that every child is unique and that each deserves the opportunity to be happy, feel valued and experience success. The Academy moved to a brand new school in September 2016 on Kingswood Road in Shortlands. We are hugely excited about the building, which will be a modern and welcoming place for children and a fantastic location for existing and future staff.

We have a fantastic opportunity for a dedicated and inspirational leader to become Head of Academy. The successful candidate will be an experienced senior leader with a proven track record of school improvement.

For less experienced candidates the post would offer the opportunity to work alongside an Executive Principal who has led outstanding schools. You will be able to draw on the central support of the Federation to help develop a strong ethos and secure the highest standards.

For those new to a Head of Academy post, we can provide close support in the form of mentoring from an experienced Harris Principal and an individually tailored Accelerated Principal Programme designed to prepare you for Principalship. For existing headteachers, we can offer opportunities to progress to Executive Principalship in the future.

It is important to be an good communicator with proven strengths in engaging with, inspiring and motivating, not just the school community, but the wider community. Experience across the full primary age range is important, but specifically expertise in Early Years and KS1 is preferable for the post. Sound understanding of school improvement strategies is key, as well as the ability to  motivate staff and the community towards the achievement of clear and inspirational goals.

We are looking for applicants with:

• A passion for children’s learning and development;
• The ability to motivate, lead and inspire colleagues;
• High aspirations for all children and a desire to raise standards;
• High aspirations for themselves and a commitment to further development;

For a full job description, please download the Candidate Information Pack above.

Why work at Harris Primary Academy Shortlands?

• A brand new building, which is a bright, modern and welcoming place for children to be
• Every lesson at our school is creative and there is plenty of time for children to think, to play, to discover and wonder
• Each child is taught in the way that suits them best and we step in quickly if a change is needed
• Excellent professional development opportunities and generous benefits package through the Harris Federation - a leading group of 41 primary and secondary academies in and around London

As a top performing Multi-Academy Trust, we offer access to a professional and supportive community of academies, fellow Principals and mentors to help develop and progress your career.

For an informal and confidential discussion, please contact Samantha French, Executive Principal, Harris Primary Academy Shortlands on 020 3772 4598.

To arrange a visit to the academy, please e-mail Mrs Clare Clark, Office Manager, on info@harrisprimaryshortlands.org.uk or call 020 3772 4598.

Closing Date 31st May 2017

Harris academies are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check. In line with our commitments to safeguarding, the Harris Federation uses preferred agencies and is unable to work with any agencies where Terms of Business have not been agreed by both parties prior to an engagement.