Assistant Principal

Ark Alexandra Academy

Assistant Principal - Culture, Behaviour & Pastoral Care

Reports to: Vice Principal

Start date: April/May 2025 or earlier

Location: Hastings, East Sussex

Salary: Ark Outside London Leadership Scale, points 12-16: £62,794 - £69,409

Contract: Permanent, full-time

Closing date: 5pm Wednesday 6 th November.

Interview: Monday 11th November.

A fantastic opportunity for an ambitious Assistant Principal or experienced Middle Leader to join a school on a mission to change the education landscape on the South Coast.

Our school:

We are aiming to create one of the top performing schools in the UK right here in Hastings.

Ark Alexandra Academy is a popular and oversubscribed secondary school in Hastings. We have grown from 10 to 12 form entry and operate a 'One School, Two Campus' model, which brings with it unique opportunities for career growth and development. The school is on an exciting and rapid journey of improvement under a new leadership team, which is underpinned by research and best practice. We place a primacy on traditional values: discipline, courtesy and respect. Our students are smart and ready to learn and thrive. We are a strict no mobile phone school.

As part of the Ark network, Ark Alexandra Academy has access to the dedicated support of a highly successful MAT with a well-regarded CPD offer for leaders and teachers at all levels.

In addition, the school is part of the Hastings DfE Education Investment Area giving an increased focus on the region, potential funding, and genuine opportunities for collaboration between schools.

The opportunity:

We are now seeking an Assistant Principal who shares our vision for Ark Alexandra and has the skills, drive and commitment to help us achieve our ambitions for the school. The new Assistant Principal will work closely with the SLT with a strong focus on improving outcomes for students. You will have the skills, drive and commitment to help us achieve our ambitions for the school as we enter this next phase of its improvement journey.

The successful candidate will have a strong grasp of the research and best practice which underpins great state education. You will have a fire in your belly to fundamentally change the education landscape on the South Coast. You will align with the principles of a 'warm-strict' education where a no-nonsense approach is taken.

The exact responsibilities will depend on the skills of the successful candidate, and we are keen to hear from any strong leaders excited by the challenge of joining our school. Currently, we are looking for a leader who can demonstrate skills in raising standards for pastoral care for our students. A proven track record of impact in this area will be essential. However, to help you gain experience in all aspects of school leadership, and preparing you for future progression, the exact role and specific responsibilities of the Assistant Principal will be reviewed and agreed annually.

As a member of the senior leadership team, you will be centrally involved in the overall leadership and management of the academy and will help to establish a school culture that maintains exceptionally high expectations for both staff and pupils.

You will also have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across the network and will feed into the development of excellent practice beyond your own school.

What we offer:

• Salary higher than the national pay scales
• More training days and network-wide events with Ark colleagues, held by some of the best minds in education
• Access to the high-quality, professional development, and senior leadership training, including nationally recognised qualifications
• Excellent career development opportunities across both the region and wider Ark network
• Opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across the network
• Bespoke teacher development programmes supported by the Great Teacher Rubric

How to apply:

Please click 'apply' on the website via the button below to complete an online application form by 5pm on Wednesday 6 th November 2024. If you have any questions, concerns or time constraints with this deadline please let us know.

We welcome conversations about the role and visits to our school. If you would like to get in touch for an informal and confidential conversation, please contact Jan Laker:

If you're interested in further information about the role, our school and the Ark network, please download the attachments from the application website.

Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants.

Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred.