Head of Academy/Principal

Harris Primary Academy East Dulwich is an outstanding school located on Lordship Lane and one of the newest in East Dulwich, a thriving and diverse community. We are a happy, ambitious and inclusive school, reflecting the rich diversity of families in our local area. We are also part of the Harris Federation, one of the highest performing MATs in the country with a proven track record of success both in the classroom, and in developing outstanding leadership.

We have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced senior leader to join us from September 2023, and we have the flexibility to consider individuals as Head of Academy. This is a great opportunity for an experienced school leader or for someone who is looking to move to the next stage in their leadership career.

If you are an experienced deputy looking for your first Head of Academy post, you will get the support and direction from an experienced Harris Executive Principal to help give you the best start possible. And for experienced school leaders looking to extend their experience of headship, we can offer you coaching and mentoring to help develop your skills as a successful Principal within the Harris Federation, and support you on a pathway to executive leadership.

We are interested to hear from inspirational senior leaders who are motivated, share our vision, and who are committed to the ethos and continued success of the academy. As an academy leader, you should have the knowledge, skills and leadership qualities to inspire not just staff, but our pupils and parents.

At Harris, we believe we are at the forefront of nurturing primary teachers and developing the school leaders of tomorrow. This is a chance for a talented primary senior leader to join an established network of over 80 highly experienced Principals and Executive Leaders, all of whom are committed to collaborating in order to help transform young lives across London.

About Us

Harris Primary Academy East Dulwich opened in 2014 and has an established track record of high standards. We moved into our new building in September 2016, providing a bright and modern space for learning, and in 2017, the Academy was graded OUTSTANDING in all areas by Ofsted.

Children are at the heart of all we do. Our vision - Achieving Success Together - recognises the importance of the relationship between school and home in children's development. Parents/carers are welcome as partners in their child's education and there is a strong parent group who work hard to promote the school, raise funds and support learning.

We provide a vibrant learning environment which nurtures and supports children. Pupils are encouraged to be responsible for their learning, to grow in confidence and become independent. In recognition of the work in this area, the school received UNICEF's Rights Respecting School Award in 2017.

Main Areas of Responsibility

As Head of Academy, you will oversee an academy where:

• There is a positive ethos that reflects the Academy's commitment to high achievement, effective teaching and learning, and good relationships
• A broad, balanced and high quality curriculum is offered to all
• Staff, governors and parents have confidence in the leadership and management of the Academy
• Staff and governors recognise their accountability for their tasks and contribute fully to the development and successful implementation of policies and practices
• The life of the Academy and the curriculum effectively promote students' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and prepare them for adult life
• Effectiveness is kept under rigorous review, and links with the wider community contribute to students' attainment and personal development
• Efficient and effective use is made of staff, accommodation and resources
• Delegated responsibilities to ensuring that finance and administration are effective, and the carefully costed development plan is focused on improving educational outcomes

Please download the full application pack for full details about the responsibilities and person specification.

Qualifications & Experience

We are seeking a successful senior leader with a good track record of school improvement, ideally gained in inner-city, multi-racial and urban areas. We are looking for someone who is an outstanding communicator and who has proven strengths in engaging with, inspiring and motivating, not just the school community but also the wider community.

You must have experience across the full primary age range and the skills, knowledge and leadership necessary to secure high quality teaching and learning.

• Qualified Teacher Status, Degree, Further relevant professional studies
• Senior Leader in a Primary school, including experience deputising for the Head / Principal
• Successful leadership in assessment and/or curriculum development and in monitoring and evaluation strategies.
• Proven track record of raising attainment in an urban, multi-ethnic environment
• Experience as a designated child protection officer
• Experience as a performance appraiser for staff
• Experience of teaching or leading Early Years and/or KS1 and/or KS2

If you are a highly motivated senior leader with the school improvement skills and experience needed to create an Outstanding academy where both staff and students thrive, then we want to hear for you.

Next Steps

To arrange a confidential discussion with Sabeena Hasan, Primary Director, or to arrange a visit, please contact Rebecca Irwin, Primary Director PA, via e-mail: rebecca.irwin@harrisfederation.org.uk

Professional Development & Benefits

Our people are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.

In addition to the opportunities for career development and progression, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, a Wellbeing Cash Plan including access to a virtual GP, electric car scheme, 26 days' annual leave (plus bank holidays) for staff who work across the full year, and many other benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our website.

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.