Principal

Do you have what it takes to nurture today’s young people and inspire tomorrow’s leaders? Are you an inspirational and dynamic leader with the drive, passion and commitment to establish an outstanding new school that provides a first-class education and exceptional leadership opportunities for young people? If so, becoming a Star leader might just be the best career move you ever make.

About Star Salford Academy

Star Salford Academy is a new 750-place secondary free school in Salford. The school will open in September 2023 to pupils in Year 7 and will grow year-on-year so that from 2027 it will accommodate pupils in the full 11-16 age range.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to shape and lead the creation of an outstanding new school; one that is rooted in aspiration and high expectations. Opening a free school is hugely rewarding. Our principal will create a blueprint for the future within the local area, providing a first-class education for the initial Year 7 intake and growing success incrementally.

Star Salford Academy will deliver an academic EBacc-focused curriculum alongside a rich and diverse programme that develops leadership, character and a firm commitment to helping others. Our principal will shape expectations, using tried and tested evidence-based approaches to give every child the best possible chance of success, personally and academically. They will work with parents and local partners to contribute to the civic development of the community.

We passionately believe that schools have a transformational impact on society and we have seen the difference that a rounded, high quality educational experience can make to individuals and communities. As one of the leading providers of education in the country, we have extensive experience of opening highly successful free schools.

Who we’re looking for

We are looking for an exceptional, dynamic and energetic leader who will work with us to establish an exceptional new school with a vibrant, inclusive and high-performance culture, a leader who shares our commitment to young people and our STAR values.

We want to hear from ambitious, talented senior leaders who will bring inspirational leadership to our school. You will be highly motivated and passionate about making a difference to the lives of young people with the natural ability to inspire and motivate both pupils and peers. With substantial senior leadership experience, you will shape and create a school with high standards, exceptional teaching, an outstanding learning environment and a rich and diverse leadership programme.

As a Star leader, you’ll join the Star Academies family, a high-performing and supportive network of primary and secondary schools with some of the best leaders in education. Your leadership of the school will be fully supported by Star’s extensive expertise, experience and infrastructure. We’ll provide an exceptional programme of professional development that’s tailored to support you to succeed in the role and to develop and grow your team.

If you are a talented, driven leader with a firm belief that all young people, irrespective of their background or prior attainment, can and will achieve the very best, we want to hear from you.

You will have:

• A degree-level qualification and Qualified Teacher Status.
• Substantial experience of senior leadership within a school setting.
• The ability to create, and secure commitment to, a clear vision for an effective and high achieving school.
• A strong commitment to our STAR values.​​​​​​​

About Star Academies

Star Academies is a high-performing multi-academy trust that runs more than 30 primary and secondary schools. We are a values-based organisation that works to improve the life chances of young people in areas of social and economic deprivation to help them succeed at the highest levels of education, employment and the professions. Every single day you’ll be rewarded with the opportunity to shape a young person’s future - our STAR values embody what we believe is needed to succeed.

Professional development is key to our ongoing success, so we continually invest in our employees through our learning and development centre, Star Institute. With a wealth of training, mentoring and progression opportunities across a growing group of academies, joining our team of leading education experts could propel your career to the next level. 

We can also offer you a range of rewards and benefits, including competitive salaries and pension schemes, generous holiday entitlements and healthcare cash plans.

Find out more

Please download the information pack below, which includes a welcome message from our CEO, job description, person specification, and further information about the school and Star Academies. For an informal and confidential discussion about the role please contact Heather Fergusson, Head of Projects, on 0330 313 9896 or email heather.fergusson@staracademies.org.

Key Dates

Closing Date: Sunday, 19 June 2022 at midnight

Assessment Date: ​​​​​​Tuesday, 28 June 2022

Proposed Start Date: ​​​​​​​January 2023.

Application Process

To apply for this vacancy please use the 'Apply for job' link below. You should ensure your application form and supporting statement address all elements of the person specification. We will only consider candidates who meet the vast majority of the essential criteria outlined in the person specification.

Our Commitment

Star Academies is committed to safeguarding, safer recruitment and promoting the welfare of pupils. Our comprehensive recruitment and selection processes aim to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. Successful candidates are subject to rigorous pre-employment checks.

We are equally committed to eliminating discrimination and encouraging diversity. We aim for our workforce to be representative of society and that each employee feels respected and able to give their best. We are committed to providing equality and fairness in our recruitment and employment practices and not to discriminate on any grounds. We oppose all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.