Principal

Harris Primary Academy Shortlands are looking to appoint a new Principal. This position is suitable for both existing and aspiring Principals. We are interested to hear from experienced primary senior leaders who are keen to progress in their careers and who can build on the success of this Outstanding free school primary.

Your Opportunity  

This is a unique opportunity to join a Federation with over 40 primary executive principals and academy leaders, all of whom are committed to working together and transforming lives across London. Ideally, we are looking to appoint an experienced school leader who feels they have the leadership qualities and drive to lead our academy to further success. However, this post could also suit a highly experienced Vice Principal / Deputy Head looking for progression into your first Principalship within a supportive and collaborative environment. We can provide first time Principals with all the support needed in the form of individual mentoring from an established Harris Executive Principal.  

The successful applicant will have the chance to join a highly progressive, successful and innovative multi academy trust, and the opportunity to work alongside some of the country’s most experienced, knowledgeable and committed education practitioners. Harris has a reputation for investing in and developing successful senior leaders, and our track record of performance demonstrates the impact our academy leaders have on delivering transformative change. If you are an inspirational and talented senior leader who shares our vision for education and improving the life chances of young people in London, then we would like to hear from you. 

In line with the Government’s announcement, our academy is closed until further notice. However, during this period it is our intention to continue with critical recruitment for key positions starting in September 2020. In place of academy interviews, alternative options will be offered so that no one is at a disadvantage, and applicants should expect telephone or virtual interviews, with the possibility of onsite academy interviews only in special cases. We want to reassure applicants that effective measures have been implemented to ensure their health and wellbeing whilst on academy premises.

Thank you for your cooperation during this difficult time. 

About Harris Primary Academy Shortlands

Harris Primary Academy Shortlands is a two-form entry school which opened in September 2014 in Bromley. The academy moved to a brand new building in September 2016 on Kingswood Road in Shortlands. We had our first Ofsted inspection in April 2017 in which the academy  was rated Outstanding.

About Primary Education at Harris

Primary education at Harris comprises 19 Primary and 3 all-through academies, and a brand new standalone nursery hub, with every inspected academy has been judged Good or Outstanding (79% Outstanding). Some of these academies are new free schools, but most were previously failing schools located in challenging areas of London.  

How we invest in you as a Leader 

We believe we are at the forefront of nurturing and developing academy leaders. We offer  

• Coaching, mentoring and the insights needed to help develop and prepare you for either Executive or Academy leadership  
• Opportunities for progression as a  leader and the option to gain your National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL) 
• An established and friendly community of likeminded leaders with a wealth of knowledge to draw from and support to help shape your career 
• A unique network of primary academies and leaders to share and develop best practice 
• The opportunity to be involved with wider Federation collaborative projects through our Teaching School  
• A progressive, highly innovative multi academy trust and the chance to work alongside some of the best academy leaders in the country 

Why join the Harris Federation  

As part of Harris, you will have the opportunity to join a highly collaborative network of academies, working alongside fellow Executives and Academy Principals from across the wider Federation. Every Harris academy and their SLT is supported by our central team of highly experienced Assistant Directors, Executive Principals and Consultants, as well as core services provided by specialist departments in the broader Federation central team.  

The Harris Federation is a leading large Multi Academy Trust in the country for both primary and secondary education. We have an established reputation in transforming education in London, and an unrivalled track record in achieving success through rapid school improvement.  

We look for talented individuals who want to help transform education in London and create exceptional places of learning.  

NEXT STEPS  

Please download the job pack for a full job description and person specification.  

For any other questions about the role, or application process, please contact Harry Bond, Head of Talent - harry.bond@harrisfederation.org.uk  

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, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants. 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. Harris Federation is fully committed to equality and to valuing diversity as an employer and a provider of education. Click here to view our full equality and diversity statement.