Principal

We are now recruiting for the Principal for Marden Primary Academy; a truly rare leadership opportunity within a very successful and financially sound, mature and geographically local multi-academy trust that combines management freedom for effective leaders with secure central support that encourages collaboration for success.  

Marden joined Leigh Academies Trust in September 2020. The academy serves the beautiful village community of Marden in Kent and has 40 pupils in each year group. Significant proposed housing development in the local area means that there is genuine potential for future expansion. The school’s last Ofsted inspection before joining the Trust raised some concerns about its performance. The school remains good, but has room for improvement. Joining the Trust adds significant capacity ahead of its next inspection which we would expect  three or four years from now. This gives the successful candidate time to make the changes necessary. Marden’s children are its biggest asset and they need a leader with grit, determination and passion to help provide them with a positive future. We are looking for a very special person as only the best will do for the children of Marden.

Our successful candidate will receive encouragement, support and guidance not only to lead the academy but also to develop your own career within the Trust. You will already be an exceptional senior leader at a successful school with real ambition to improve the life chances of the pupils at Marden Primary Academy. We will expect the Principal to further develop a positive culture where every child is expected to do well and their progress is supported each step of the way.  

We wish to hear from you if you really want to change our education world and are:

• an enthusiastic, energetic and ambitious school leader with a track record of success at primary level;
• a motivational and inspirational leader with high expectations of staff;
• confident and able to communicate a clear vision for the school;
• able to develop children to reach their full potential regardless of background or circumstance;
• approachable and keen to work with staff across the Trust to ensure wide success;
• able to establish and develop excellent relationships with the community and other stakeholders.

What we can offer you:

• a competitive salary along with private healthcare and an opportunity to earn a performance bonus;
• an exciting LAT career path with opportunities for further progression in the future;
• security and support on your journey from close collaboration with a small central executive and a larger group of talented Principals to share best practice and innovation.

Click here for the full Recruitment Pack and specification. 

Arranging a visit to the academy and discussion with the CEO/Academies Director:

On the basis that interested candidates will be keen to visit the academy before making a formal application, you can arrange this by contacting Emma Johnson (EA to CEO) - emma.johnson@latrust.org.uk. Social distancing and other Covid-secure safety measures will be observed at all times following latest government guidelines. Please ensure you offer Emma a range of dates when you are available in your initial email to ensure we can coordinate a visit that works for both you and the 

Candidates wishing to have an initial conversation with the CEO/Academies Director about this role can also arrange for a telephone/video call. Those wishing to do so should also contact Emma Johnson in the first instance.

Application and Selection Process: Naturally, we are seeking to appoint the best possible candidate and therefore the application process will reflect our desire to undertake all necessary measures to achieve this. Suitable and interested candidates are invited to complete an online application detailing why they are suitable for the role. This can be submitted on Jobtrain by scrolling to the bottom of the page and selecting 'Apply for Job'.

Application closing date: Thursday 18th February 2021 (12 noon)

Shortlisting committee: Monday 22nd February 2021 (pm) - candidates will be informed if they have been successful straight away afterwards.

Interview date: Thursday 25th February 2021 (full day)

If you have any queries on any aspect of the application process or need additional information, please contact Elene Redelinghuys (LAT Talent Team) on elene.redelinghuys@latrust.org.uk.

Diversity at our core: The academy is committed to safeguarding children and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. Our commitment to safeguarding is underpinned by robust processes and checks which are in place across the Trust.