Vice Principal

For April 2022, we have a rare leadership opportunity within our very successful and mature multi-academy trust. The Trust is seeking to appoint a highly effective senior leader to join us as the Vice Principal at Paddock Wood Primary Academy, a large 3FE primary. The successful candidate will play an integral part in expanding and accelerating the successes of the school to date to ensure we are an outstanding provider of education.

Paddock Wood Primary Academy uses the framework of the International Baccalaureate (as a candidate school) to deliver the National Curriculum - this allows us to build the learning around the children’s interests. We focus on developing the learner profile attributes, which encompass the skills needed to ensure our children become confident and successful global citizens. Our specialist teachers of French and PE offer high quality instruction which is linked to our learning and this year we are developing a Community Action project to enhance our links with the town. The grounds are extensive at Paddock Wood Primary Academy, allowing us to develop the outdoor learning skills of team-work and collaboration whenever possible and we are in the process of installing an orienteering course for Key Stage 2. Our parents are committed to supporting their children on their journey through the academy and we continue to engage with our community whenever possible. 

Our successful candidate will be talented and a highly motivated leader with drive and commitment to excellence as well as strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to communicate to a range of stakeholders. You will be joining a supportive, committed and passionate team who work hard to ensure that all of our students achieve their potential. We are looking for an experienced professional who can demonstrate strategic leadership and excellent management, and a proven track record of success in raising standards.

This is an exciting time to join our leadership team. You will be expected to play a key role in further enhancing the vision for Paddock Wood Primary Academy whilst ensuring that our students develop their potential, achieve academic success and develop our core values. The newly appointed Vice Principal will work closely with the Principal and assume a range of whole academy strategic responsibilities. 

We wish to hear from you if you are committed to changing our education world and are:

• an enthusiastic, energetic and ambitious school leader with a track record of success at a primary school;
• 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.

 In return, you will receive: 

• a competitive salary;
• an exciting LAT career path with opportunities for further progression in the future;
• security and support on your journey from close collaboration with a small central executive and a larger group of talented principals to share best practice and innovation;
• development opportunities to work both within Paddock Wood Primary Academy and across the wider Trust.

Please click here to view the full Candidate Briefing Pack.  

On the basis that interested candidates will be keen to visit the academy before making a formal application, you can arrange this by contacting Sarah Blake (Office Manager) via telephone, 01892 833654 or via email at Enquiries@paddockwoodprimaryacademy.org.uk.

Candidates wishing to have an initial conversation with the Principal about this role can also arrange for a telephone/video call. Those wishing to do so should also contact Sarah Blake in the first instance.

Application and Selection 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.

Suitable and interested candidates are invited to complete an online application detailing why they are suitable for the role.

Application closing date: 1st December 2021

Shortlisting committee: 2nd December 2021 - candidates will be informed if they have been successful straight away afterwards.

Interview date: 9th December 2021

If you have any queries on any aspect of the application process or need additional information, please contact Elene Redelinghuys (LAT Talent Team) on elene.redelinghuys@latrust.org.uk.

Being part of Leigh Academies Trust: As of 1st September 2021, our Trust comprises 31 geographically organised academies (15 secondaries, 14 primaries and 2 special) educating 20,000 students, and employing over 2,500 talented staff. The Trust is establishing four ‘clusters’ of academies: North West Kent; Central Kent; South East London; Medway. In addition, the Trust is responsible for one of the region’s biggest initial teaching training organisations, a large teaching school hub and is an accredited apprenticeship provider. Click here to view our future plans in our Vision 2025 document.  

As part of Leigh Academies Trust you will have ample opportunity to collaborate with your peers both within the academy and across the whole Trust. This is an important part of our vision as we know through experience that we perform better when we work together. You are supported to undertake regular self-development to continue your professional development and hopefully progress further within the organisation.

Click here to view the range of benefits available to all LAT staff.  

Our commitment to safeguarding: Leigh Academies Trust and all of our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair, robust and consistent recruitment process across all academies and business units.  All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.  

Our commitment to equality and diversity: As a Trust we are passionate about diversity and recognise that as individuals, we all bring something unique to the role regardless of any protected characteristics which is why we treat all of our people equally, without compromise. We are committed to providing equality and fairness throughout our recruitment and employment practices and not to discriminate on any grounds.

Based on the quality and quantity of applications received, Leigh Academies Trust reserves the right to close this vacancy sooner than the specified closing date.  Applicants will be notified of this where possible.  Therefore, early applications are encouraged.