Highly Competitive Salary + Performance Bonus + Private Healthcare + collaborative MAT network + additional LAT benefits.

Leigh Academies Trust is seeking to appoint an ambitious and visionary Principal for Leigh Academy Molehill. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to lead an Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ primary academy that has been a cornerstone of its community since 1954. We are part of a highly successful, financially sound, and mature multi-academy trust that combines management freedom for effective leaders with secure central support and a culture of deep collaboration.

We are looking for a leader who is relentless in their ambition for the children of Maidstone; someone dedicated to fostering a culture where every pupil thrives and achieves their very best, regardless of their starting point.

You will be an exceptional leader with a proven track record of success at the primary level. You will possess the drive to maintain our ‘Outstanding’ standards while further developing a positive, vibrant culture where high expectations shape every classroom.

We wish to hear from you if you are:

• an enthusiastic, energetic, and ambitious school leader with a track record of success at the 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 highly 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 practices and innovation.

To support your application, we recommend viewing the Job Pack by clicking here, which outlines the full role responsibilities and person specification. This will guide you in preparing a strong application and understanding what we’re looking for.

Applying for this Opportunity

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.

On the basis that interested candidates may be keen to visit the academy before making a formal application, you can arrange this by contacting Molly Allen via email: molly.allen@latrust.org.uk. Visits will be hosted by Emma Elwin, Academies Director, or the current Principal. Please ensure you offer Molly 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 academy.

Candidates wishing to have an initial conversation with our Trust Academies Director, Emma Elwin, about this role can also arrange for a telephone call. Those wishing to do so should also contact Molly Allen via email molly.allen@latrust.org.uk in the first instance.

Closing date: Wednesday 4th March 2026 (9am)

Shortlisting date: Wednesday 4th March 2026 (PM)

Interview date: Wednesday 11th March 2026

If you have any queries on any aspect of the application process or need additional information please contact Amy Wenban (Recruitment Advisor) on 01634 412 205 or amy.wenban@latrust.org.uk.