Principal

Principal – Lower Meadow Primary Academy
Full Time | Permanent
Salary: LS15–21 (£74,562 – £86,391)
Start Date: September 2026
Closing Date: 23rd March 2026
Interviews: 16th & 17th April 2026

Lead a school with ambition, compassion and a relentless commitment to every child

Are you a values‑driven leader who believes in the potential of every child, regardless of background, need or circumstance?
Do you build trust quickly and lead through strong relationships with families, staff, governors and the wider community?

Lower Meadow Primary Academy is seeking an exceptional Principal to lead our diverse, inclusive and highly committed school community. This is a significant leadership opportunity in a complex and rewarding school, requiring clarity of vision, ambition, resilience and deep compassion.

About the Role

As Principal, you will set the strategic direction, culture and high expectations that enable all pupils to thrive. You will:

• Lead the continued improvement of teaching, learning and curriculum across Early Years and primary phases

• Champion inclusion, wellbeing and safeguarding across a community with significant SEND, EAL and mobility needs

• Build and empower a skilled, dedicated staff team committed to delivering excellence for every child

• Foster strong relationships with families, governors, external agencies and the wider community

• Work closely with Astrea colleagues to implement a consistent, research‑informed approach rooted in the Trust’s values of Scholarship, Curiosity and Tenacity

This role offers the opportunity to lead a school that has undergone significant transformation—including a “Good” Ofsted judgement in 2025—and is now ready for its next ambitious chapter.

What We’re Looking For

We are seeking a Principal who is:

• A passionate, values‑driven leader with unwavering belief in every child’s potential

• Resilient, visible and motivational, with experience leading in a complex school context

• Skilled at raising outcomes, particularly for pupils with SEND

• Knowledgeable about high‑quality teaching, curriculum and pedagogy across Early Years and primary

• A strategic thinker who balances long‑term planning with day‑to‑day operational excellence

• A leader who develops, supports and challenges staff at all levels

• An exceptional communicator who builds positive relationships and inspires confidence

• Collaborative, reflective and committed to partnership working across the Trust

• Committed to Astrea’s inclusive ethos and to modelling integrity, professionalism and high expectations

Applications are welcomed from experienced Principals and from Deputy Heads / Vice Principals with substantial leadership experience in larger primary settings, particularly those serving challenging catchments.

Why Lower Meadow?

Lower Meadow is a richly diverse community with:

• 255 pupils plus a Nursery

• Sheffield’s Level 5 Hearing Impairment Unit onsite

• 44 pupils with EHCPs and 65 at SEND K

• 30% of pupils speaking English as an Additional Language

• 69% disadvantaged learners

The school benefits from significant Trust support, including centralised curriculum resources, leadership development, monthly Principal training and fortnightly Regional Director visits. This is reflected in the enhanced salary banding.

Find Out More

We strongly encourage all prospective applicants to arrange an informal conversation or visit. Please contact Regional Director, Russell Gray, at: Russell.Gray@astreaacademytrust.org

Commitment to Safeguarding and EDI

Astrea Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references, enhanced DBS checks and due‑diligence processes.

We value diversity and welcome applications from underrepresented groups. As a Disability Confident employer, we provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

In line with the Immigration Act 2016, all public‑facing post holders must demonstrate fluent English.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you are ready to lead with ambition, compassion and clarity and to make a lasting difference for the children and community of Lower Meadow, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and be part of our mission to help every child learn, thrive and succeed.