Principal

We are looking to appoint a new Principal for Harris Primary Academy East Dulwich. This is an exciting opportunity for a new Principal to join a high achieving Academy which opened to meet the significant demand from Dulwich families for new primary places, and has consistently outperformed the national average since. We are interested to hear from qualified Principals and Headteachers who are currently leading a school and have an extensive and successful background in school improvement. The post could also suit an aspiring senior leader looking for promotion into their first Principalship and want to join a highly collaborative Federation with a network of supportive executive leaders and mentors. We can be flexible on start date and will consider applicants who can start Easter 2020 or September 2020, but we ideally want a new Principal in post by Easter.

About Harris Primary Academy East Dulwich

Harris Primary Academy East Dulwich opened in September 2014 and is a popular, oversubscribed Academy housed in a brand new modern, bright building on Lordship Lane. Our two form entry Academy was judged to be ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in May 2017 and was the first Free School in the country to achieve UNICEF’s Rights Respecting School Award in July. We started with a Reception cohort and currently have children in year groups from Reception to Year 5 and will continue to grow with our first Year 6 cohort starting in September 2020.

About the role

The post would suit a senior leader who is looking to extend and develop their experience of headship, by leading an academy within a Multi Academy Trust which provides executive level central team support. We will also consider applications from Aspiring Principals with extensive SLT experience and have the drive and ambition to start their first Principalship. We want to hear from leaders who have the leadership qualities and communication skills to continue the success of our academy, and lead a team of talented and dedicated staff. The successful applicant should have a strong track record of school improvement, and shares the Harris Federation vision for transforming education in London. You will need to be an articulate and strong communicator with proven strengths in engaging, inspiring and motivating staff at all levels, and working with local community.

For first time Principals, we will provide all of the support needed in the form of individual mentoring from an experienced Harris Principal. For existing Headteachers, we offer unrivalled progression opportunities to Executive Principalship, and the option to support you through our National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL) programme. The course draws on the leadership expertise of Harris executive leaders and Directors as well as other successful MATs from across the country.

About Primary Education at Harris:

Primary education at Harris comprises 19 Primary and 3 all-through academies, and a brand new standalone nursery hub, with every inspected academy has been judged Good or Outstanding (79% Outstanding). Some of these academies are new free schools, but most were previously failing schools located in challenging areas of London. 

You will join a highly collaborative network of Principals and receive support from a highly experienced central team consisting of Executive Principals, Assistant Directors and Primary Consultants, who all report to the Primary Director.

Why work for the Harris Federation?

As a top performing Multi-Academy Trust, we offer access to a professional and supportive community of academies, executive leaders, and support functions. The Harris Federation is a successful, highly collaborative and enterprising group of academies in and around London. Our network of academies is setting standards of excellence through an experienced and supportive approach with the aim that every child in London can have the best possible education, enabling them to fulfil their potential and decide their own future. That means that when you work at a Harris academy, you are playing a part in something very important – giving children the freedom and the opportunities to choose their own futures.

Harris is a Federation and not a chain; each Harris academy is different, reflecting the particular aspirations and leadership style of its Principal. 

Contact Us

Informal conversations are welcomed and visits to our academies are highly encouraged. If you would like to discuss the post in confidence please call Sabeena Hasan, Primary Director, on 020 8253 7777. For further information, please contact Harry Bond, Head of Recruitment: harry.bond@harrisfederation.org.uk.

Harris academies are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed for all applicants. In line with our commitments to safeguarding, the Harris Federation uses preferred agencies and is unable to work with any agencies where Terms of Business have not been agreed by both parties prior to an engagement. Harris Federation is fully committed to equality and to valuing diversity as an employer and a provider of education. Click here to view our full equality and diversity statement.