Principal
Herne Bay High School
Herne Bay
- £91,157 - £128,446 per year
- Expired
- Salary:
- L24 - L38
- Job type:
- Full Time, Permanent
- Start date:
- January 2027(start date is negotiable if suitable candidate is available earlier)
- Apply by:
- 4 May 2026
Job overview
Location: Herne Bay, Kent CT6 7NS | Salary: L24 to L38 | Start: January 2027(start date is negotiable if suitable candidate is available earlier)
Herne Bay High School is seeking an exceptional and inspiring leader to take on the role of Principal. This is a unique opportunity to lead a thriving, inclusive 11–18 Single Academy Trust with nearly 1,550 students and over 260 staff, at the heart of its community.
Our Vision and Leadership Priorities
Herne Bay High is committed to a strong moral purpose where every student can succeed. We combine high expectations with inclusive practice, fostering a safe, supportive environment and strong community partnerships. We seek a strategic, outward-facing leader who will drive sustained improvement and develop a high-performing staff team through coaching, accountability, and professional growth.
Why Herne Bay High School?
- Lead a values-driven, inclusive school where kindness, respect, and dedication underpin everything we do
- Shape a culture focused on high-quality teaching, student outcomes, and staff wellbeing
- Access staff benefits including Benenden private healthcare, on-site gym, and practical workload support
- A collaborative school at the heart of partnerships with local schools and partners across East Kent, contributing to system-wide improvement
About the Role
The Principal will provide strategic, values-driven leadership, combining operational excellence with a relational, human-centred approach.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading a culture of high expectations, inclusion, and continuous improvement
- Supporting staff professional growth, wellbeing, and performance
- Driving sustainable school improvement using data-informed strategies
- Ensuring a safe, secure, and compliant school environment
- Representing the school as an outward-facing leader, continuing the strong partnerships with families and the wider community
Skills and Experience
We are looking for a Principal with:
- Significant senior leadership experience in a secondary school setting
- A proven track record of whole-school improvement and raising attainment
- Strong commitment to inclusive education and relational leadership
- The ability to inspire and motivate staff, fostering a high-performing culture
- Experience of strategic planning, curriculum oversight, and operational management
- Demonstrable commitment to safeguarding and statutory compliance
Join Us
This is a rare and exciting opportunity to lead a school that is deeply committed to its students, staff, and wider community. If you are a passionate, visionary, and relational leader who shares our belief in high expectations, inclusive practice, and the development of the whole child, we warmly encourage you to apply.
*Full candidate pack is attached to the advert.
How to Apply
If you would like to visit the school, please email HR Manager jemma.lowry@hernebayhigh.org
Applicants should submit:
- The standard application form (attached)
- A supporting statement (maximum 1,000 words) explaining:
“Why you are applying for the Principal role at Herne Bay High School, your leadership vision and how your experience aligns with the needs of our students and school community”
*Please ensure both documents are submitted by the closing date: Monday 4th May 2026
Applications should be emailed to HR Manager: jemma.lowry@hernebayhigh.org
Key Dates
Applications close:
Monday 4th May 2026
Shortlisting:
Tuesday 5th May 2026
Candidates informed:
Wednesday 6th May 2026
Interviews:
Wednesday 13th May & Thursday 14th May 2026
*Further information can be found in the candidate pack attached, including the JD and person specification (attached)
Safeguarding Commitment:
At Herne Bay High, we are dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants will be subject to comprehensive child protection screening, including enhanced DBS and reference checks.
Attached documents
About Herne Bay High School
Herne Bay High School
Herne Bay High School is a fully inclusive and ambitious 11–18 Single Academy Trust with nearly 1550 students and over 260 staff and is at the heart of its community. We are proud to serve the young people of Herne Bay and the surrounding areas, providing an education that is both academically rigorous and deeply rooted in care, support and opportunity for all.
Our school is built on the belief that every student matters and that every student can succeed. We are committed to ensuring that all young people, regardless of their starting point or background, are given the tools, confidence and experiences they need to thrive both in school and beyond.
Our Values and Ethos
At the core of Herne Bay High School is a clear and shared ethos: to create a community where students feel safe, valued and inspired to achieve their very best.
We promote a culture founded on:
- Respect and kindness, where positive relationships underpin all aspects of school life
- High expectations, ensuring that every student is challenged and supported to achieve their full potential
- Inclusivity, where diversity is celebrated and all students are given equal opportunity to succeed
- Responsibility, encouraging students to take ownership of their learning and behaviour
- Resilience and aspiration, preparing students to face challenges with confidence and determination
Our approach is centred on developing the whole child. Academic success is important, but it sits alongside a strong focus on character development, wellbeing and personal growth.
A Supportive and Aspirational Community
Herne Bay High School is a school where relationships matter. We place great importance on creating a calm, purposeful and supportive environment in which students can flourish.
We work in close partnership with families and the wider community, recognising that education is most successful when it is a shared endeavour. Students are encouraged to develop confidence, independence and a sense of belonging, enabling them to make a positive contribution to society.
Our Educational Vision
We are committed to delivering a broad and balanced curriculum that meets the needs of all learners. Our curriculum is designed to:
- Inspire a love of learning
- Build strong knowledge and skills across all subjects
- Provide rich opportunities beyond the classroom
- Prepare students for the next stage of education, employment or training
We aim to equip our students not only with qualifications, but with the character, resilience and adaptability needed to succeed in an ever-changing world.
Please note that you are wholly responsible for fact checking in respect of the information provided by schools. Please also check for the latest visa and work permit requirements that may apply. Tes is not responsible for the content of advertisements or the policies adopted by advertising schools. Tes asks that all schools follow Tes' Fair Recruitment Policy.