Assistant Principal – Head of House 

Atlantic Academy – Portland, Dorset
Permanent | Full Time | Start As soon as possible

Salary: Leadership Scale L7–L11

Closing Date: Monday 19th October 2026 9:00am
Interviews: Wednesday 21st October

Improve Standards. Shape Culture. Transform Futures.

Atlantic Academy is seeking an exceptional senior leader with a specialism and proven track record in raising standards to join our Senior Leadership Team. This is an opportunity to  shape the pastoral success and personal development of students across our all-through academy.

As Assistant Principal, you will play a key role as Head of House, working with a dedicated pastoral team to support students’ attendance, behaviour, wellbeing and achievement  strengthening outcomes.

Located on the stunning Jurassic Coast, Atlantic Academy is an academy with ambition at its heart. We are committed to disruption-free learning, high expectations and ensuring every student develops the self-worth, engagement and purpose needed to succeed in life.

Why This Role Matters Now

Atlantic Academy is on an ambitious journey of improvement. Over the past year we have further raised expectations across the academy, fostering a culture built on consistency, disruption-free learning and high aspirations for every student.

As we continue to build on this momentum, we are seeking a leader who can play a pivotal role in the next phase of our development. We are committed to further strengthening outcomes, curriculum quality and teaching excellence across the Academy.

Our House system sits at the heart of our pastoral structure, supporting students’ attendance, behaviour, wellbeing and personal development. This role offers a rare opportunity to influence both academic standards and the wider culture of the academy, ensuring every student is supported to thrive and reach their full potential.

This job is ideally suited to ambitious current senior or middle leaders considering progression to Vice Principalship or Principalship, offering significant whole-Academy leadership experience. As part of the Aspirations Academies Trust, you will benefit from being within a successful and innovative network, with strong collaboration and a wide range of opportunities for professional growth and career development.

Our Vision

We are looking for a leader who shares our vision:

“By providing an exceptional all-through education, we will transform the lives of every student—nurturing their self-worth, inspiring engagement in learning, and guiding them to discover a strong sense of purpose.”

Along with the Aspirations Academy Trust vision:

“To empower future generations to follow their dreams and to build a society of which we can all be proud.”

The Opportunity

As Assistant Principal, you will play a key strategic role in both academic improvement and student development across the academy.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Contributing to the strategic direction and continuous improvement of the academy as a member of the Senior Leadership Team

• Providing strategic pastoral leadership for one of the Academy Houses, supporting students across our all-through provision

• Leading and developing a House pastoral team focused on improving attendance, behaviour, wellbeing and attainment

• Working closely with pastoral staff and senior leaders to ensure high expectations and consistent support for every student

• Teaching and modelling excellent classroom practice

• Leading on whole-Academy priorities, driving standards, consistency and excellence in teaching and learning

• Supporting and developing middle leaders to deliver sustained improvement

• Championing a culture of ambition, accountability and professional growth

Skills, Experience and Personal Qualities

We are looking for a leader who combines strong academic leadership with a deep commitment to student development.

• Significant leadership experience within a secondary or all-through Academy

• Experience of leading pastoral systems that improve attendance, behaviour and outcomes

• A strong track record of raising standards 

• Outstanding classroom practice and a secure understanding of effective teaching, learning and assessment

• The ability to inspire, challenge and develop colleagues

• Strategic thinking combined with a visible presence in daily academy life

• Energy, resilience and a commitment to ensuring every student succeeds

Why Atlantic Academy?

• A values-driven culture built on high expectations and consistency of approach

• A committed and collaborative team focused on continuous improvement

• The opportunity to shape provision across a unique all-through academy

• The chance to lead meaningful change and make a lasting impact

• A stunning coastal location on the Jurassic Coast

About Us

Atlantic Academy Portland is an all-through academy that has transformed opportunities for young people across the island over recent years.

We are proud and established members of the Aspirations Academies Trust, working collaboratively both nationally and across the South Coast and South West region.

Ready to Join the Journey?

If you are ready to lead with purpose, strengthen outcomes and play a key role in shaping the culture and success of our students, we would love to hear from you.

For further information, please contact:

Miss Melissa Heppell - Principal
mheppell@atlantic-aspirations.org
01305 820262

Safeguarding & Equality

We value the diversity of our workforce and welcome applications from all sectors of the community.

The Aspirations Academies Trust requires all prospective employees appointed to work in its academies, and whose role will involve regulated activity, to submit an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate prior to taking up appointment.

Applicants are required, before appointment, to disclose any convictions, cautions, reprimands or final warnings that are not ‘protected’ as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013).

Disclosure of a criminal background does not automatically debar individuals from employment; relevant factors will be considered.

If you have not heard by Friday 23rd October 2026, unfortunately you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.