Vice Principal

Leigh Academy Paddock Wood has an exceptional opportunity for a committed, enthusiastic and passionate Vice Principal to join us from September 2025. Joining us will enable you to work with like-minded colleagues who share your goals and ambitions. You will be part of a team that provides outstanding educational opportunities for all of our pupils through creative, carefully sequenced and highly effective lines of inquiry where all learners are at the very core of driving our curriculum.

This position offers a unique leadership opportunity for those who are inspired to positively impact upon children’s life chances and potential. As part of this position there will be the expectation that you will cover classes to provide release time or provide some teaching to a consistent class. You will support the Principal with the strategic direction of the primary and act in a delegated capacity in their absence.

For our successful candidate, being a member of staff at Leigh Academy Paddock Wood and the wider Trust means you’ll receive access to a great range of employment benefits from day one. Click here to view the current benefits package, and be mindful that the list is always growing.

We wish to hear from you if you really want to change our education world and are:

• an enthusiastic, energetic and ambitious school leader with a track record of success at primary level;
• a motivational and inspirational leader with high expectations of staff;
• confident and able to communicate a clear vision for the school;
• able to develop children to reach their full potential regardless of background or circumstance;
• approachable and keen to work with staff across the Trust to ensure wide success;
• able to establish and develop excellent relationships with the community and other stakeholders.

Please click here to view the full Recruitment Pack

Application Process: Naturally, we are seeking to appoint the best possible candidate and therefore, the application process will reflect our desire to undertake all necessary measures to achieve this.

On the basis that interested candidates may be keen to visit the academy before making a formal application, you can arrange this by contacting Maria Wakeford (Office Manager) on maria.wakeford@paddockwood.latrust.org.uk. Visits will be offered in May and will be hosted by Thomas Moore (Principal). Please ensure you offer a range of dates when you are available to ensure we can coordinate a visit that works for both you and the academy.

Candidates wishing to have an initial conversation with the SLT about this role can also arrange for a telephone call. Those wishing to do so should also contact Maria (as above) in the first instance.

Closing date: Thursday 15th May 2025

Shortlisting date: Friday 16th May 2025

Interview date: Wednesday 21st May 2025

If you have any queries on any aspect of the application process or need additional information please contact Amy Wenban (Recruitment Advisor) on 01634 412 205 or amy.wenban@latrust.org.uk.

The academy is committed to safeguarding children and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. Our commitment to safeguarding is underpinned by robust processes and checks which are in place across the Trust.