Principal

To lead a school in London is always worthwhile; but to do so in those areas of the city which most need the support of excellent teachers is a privilege.

We are looking for a dynamic leader to be Principal of the Harris Garrard Academy. Previously known as the Bexley Business Academy, Harris Garrard Academy is an all-through 3–18 academy with approximately 1350 pupils on roll and joins the Harris Federation as a sponsored academy in September 2017. The academy is based in Thamesmead in a purpose built building. It is a needy and disadvantaged area where students deserve the life chances that a transformational school can provide.

Our aim is to accelerate the path of the academy to becoming outstanding, so that pupils have the best possible education. Like Harris Garrard Academy, many of our academies joined the Federation having been placed into Special Measures. All are now providing a 'Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ education for students according to Ofsted.

If you want the scope to make the greatest difference in an area of need then this could be the opportunity for you.

This is a chance for an ambitious leader looking either to extend their experience of Headship, or to start their first Principalship in a highly supportive and rewarding environment. For first time Principals, we can provide support in the form of individual mentoring from an experienced Harris Principal; for existing Headteachers, there will be strong opportunities to progress to Executive Principalship in the future.

You will be a successful leader with a strong record of school improvement. You will be a good communicator, with proven strengths in engaging with, inspiring and motivating, not just the school community but the wider community, in order to drive local regeneration. Your understanding of school improvement strategies will be matched by your ability to manage change and to motivate staff and the community towards the achievement of clear and inspirational goals. Above all, you will possess a relentless drive to raise standards for all of our young people.

Why work for the Harris Federation?

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. Whatever your experience, you will benefit from the support of a highly experienced, collaborative and enterprising academy group, with unrivalled opportunities to progress to Executive Principalship and beyond.

We look for talented individuals who are able to transform the most challenging schools in and around London into exceptional places of learning.

Harris is a Federation and not a chain; each Harris academy is different, reflecting the particular aspirations and leadership style of its Principal. All of our primary and secondary academies are rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted and we are recognised for transforming the life chances of the children and teenagers we educate.

If you would like to discuss the role in confidence, please call Sir Dan Moynihan, CEO, on 020 8253 7777.

Closing date 12th 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.