Principal

Leeds East Academy – Soaring to Success

Leeds East Academy is an 11-16 school, flourishing in a state of the art new building which provides a fantastic learning environment for students. We are a vibrant and expanding school which thrives at the heart of a diverse and dynamic community. We provide an exceptional education and life training; harnessing the skills and fortifying the aspirations of young people, who we know will transform the region and provide a positive, progressive contribution to society. Our vision at Leeds East Academy is clear: we will be Ofsted rated as outstanding within three years.

Core Purpose of the Principal:

The Principal is accountable for all aspects of the educational outcomes and welfare of students within the academy, being responsible overall to the White Rose Academies Trust for ensuring educational success within the wider framework of relevant national legislation, best practice and the values and vision established by the Trust. 

Job description:

In choosing the Principal we are looking for an outstanding leader, who is able to articulate the vision for the academy and who will inspire and empower others to share in achieving it. The successful candidate will be driven by a commitment to creating the best possible educational opportunities for the young people of Leeds, in order to raise aspirations and transform lives.

You will be expected to meet the four ‘Excellence As Standard’ domains outlined in the National Standards of Excellence for Headteachers, outlined in Appendix 1.

Overall purpose of the post of Principal:

• In line with, and building on, the Trust’s vision, the Principal will:
• Develop the academy as a catalyst for social change, improving the outcomes for students and the community as a whole.
• Be committed to supporting the child through their learning journey from 11-19 and beyond.
• Design and develop an outstanding, innovative and creative curriculum comprised of high quality vocational and academic options and utilising the latest technologies.
• Develop in all students and staff versatile skills and attitudes required for lifelong learning in a rapidly changing world.
• Develop positive external relationships at a local and strategic level, in partnership with the sponsors and others, to promote the continued development of the academy, as a central resource for the community.
• To create and manage a complex institution.
• To recognise and develop sustainable commercial opportunities.

Strategic direction and development:

You will:

• Provide the strategic vision, effective management and operational efficiency to fulfil the ethos of the academy.
• Lead a complex organisation effectively and efficiently and ensure the successful implementation of the free school initiative as it develops and grows.
• Work in conjunction with community, business and industry partners and other local community and educational organisations to develop reciprocal opportunities.

Learning and Teaching

You will:

• Be central to the recruitment strategy for teaching within an expanding academy.
• Design and develop an innovative and motivating curriculum in conjunction with your teachers and Trust peers, matched to students’ needs.
• Drive up expectations and promote an aspirational culture.
• Ensure focussed, data driven improvement.
• Involve students in decision-making processes by developing policies and practices that treat students as partners in the learning process.
• Promote inspirational teaching and learning around all subjects.
• Manage pastoral care, student welfare, child protection and anti-bullying procedures effectively.
• Maintain effective assessment, recording and reporting systems of student progress, and establish challenging targets.

Leading and managing staff

You will:

• Promote the academy vision and values and an ethos in which the highest achievements are expected from all members of the academy community.
• Establish and develop effective team working practices.
• Develop rigorous procedures for monitoring the performance of all staff including setting objectives and individual personal development plans, including reference to the Trust’s staff appraisal policies.
• Ensure an aspirational and motivational culture is developed, sustained and celebrated.

Efficient and effective use of staff and resources

You will:

• Work with the Director of Resources to advise the Local Accountability Board on the formulation of the annual budget in order that the Academy and the Trust secures their objectives.
• Ensure that the allocation and use of accommodation provides a positive and safe learning environment that promotes the highest achievement for all.
• Develop the academy’s commercial opportunities.
• Ensure that the available IT resources meet the needs of staff and students in an ever changing technological age.

Accountability

You will:

• Work effectively with the Executive Principal, the Chair of the Local Accountability Board and the Board itself to enable it to meet its responsibilities for securing effective teaching and learning and high standards of achievement, and for achieving efficiencies and value for money.
• Work closely with the Board of The White Rose Academies Trust, its other academies, strategic partners and stakeholders.        

The White Rose Academies Trust is a local trust dedicated to raising and fulfilling the ambitions of young people. Our academies throughout Leeds are at the heart of the communities they serve, which is why we are committed to delivering an outstanding education to every one of our students.

The Trust employs over 300 outstanding professionals who are committed to unlocking the potential of the next generation. Working in partnership with Gorse Academies Trust, we are on a significant journey which will see all of our schools Ofsted rated as outstanding within three years.

We are sponsored by Leeds City College, who provide expertise, international networks and highly desirable employability prospects within education and beyond.

Closing Date: 9 December 2016 at 12 noon
Interviews to be held week commencing 12 December 2016
Start Date: 17 April 2017

To apply visit http://www.leedswestacademy.org.uk/About-Us/Vacancies/ and download an application form. Completed applications should be returned to recruitment@whiteroseacademies.org  

Should you wish to visit our Academy please contact Mrs Yvonne Hare at hare.y@whiteroseacademies.org who will be happy to arrange a tour at your convenience.  Visitors are welcomed and strongly encouraged.