Address
Form of work
SalaryWe are looking for a hardworking, ambitious and dynamic Assistant Principal to join Harris Academy Wimbledon at this exciting time. You will have excellent opportunities to engage in wider Harris Federation academy improvement and professional development activities.
The Assistant Principal will be a well-qualified specialist, holding QTS (or equivalent) and a relevant undergraduate degree, you will have the ability to teach from KS3 to KS5. We are looking for a strong communicator with proven skills in engaging with, inspiring and motivating, not just the school community but the wider community.
About UsWe are an ‘Outstanding' (Ofsted 2023) secondary academy, established in 2018 to provide an excellent education for children in Wimbledon. With our new Sixth Form that opened last year, we will soon have a full cohort of students aged 11-18.
Two years after opening, we moved into our brand-new building which is modern, bright and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities in every area of the curriculum. We are oversubscribed and fortunate to have an amazing level of support from the community with waiting lists for entry into every year group of our academy.
Harris Academy Wimbledon promotes high levels of academic achievement across the curriculum, encourages participation in extra-curricular opportunities and empowers students to make decisions wisely. The curriculum is rich, diverse and personalised ensuring every student achieves his or her true potential. Academic success goes hand-in hand with a rich variety of enrichment and extra-curricular activities; these help foster a spirit of aspiration, resilience and joy in learning.
Professional learning is at the heart of the academy, supporting all staff in their development. The academy has a growth mindset approach where industry and commitment are seen as cultural virtues. Development of resilience, self esteem, managing risks/consequences and the ability to work effectively together all form a key part of the pastoral provision.
There is a great deal of collaborative working and sharing of good ideas about what works within secondary academies at Harris. The successful candidate will be joining a friendly and outward looking group where professional development and progression opportunities are second to none.
Main Areas of ResponsibilityYour responsibilities will include:
- To create a true learning institution in the academy at all levels
- To play a major role in formulating the aims, objectives and shared vision of the academy
- To lead the development and maintenance of a high quality positive learning environment
- To take full responsibility for all aspects of teaching and learning in your key area of responsibility
- To ensure high quality teaching across the academy
- To work with colleagues to ensure data is used effectively and consistently
- To work with the SLT to lead the assessment and reporting programme
- To support staff in making sure high quality intervention programmes are in place
- To support colleagues and subject leaders in developing schemes of learning
- With the SLT, to develop strategies to enhance teachers' ability to learn and to develop advanced teaching skills
- To raise students' aspirations and achievement
- To ensure the highest standards of achievement for all students
- To ensure the entitlement of all students to have equal access to and participation in all aspects of the curriculum.
- To ensure the efficient and effective provision of cross curricular skills, knowledge and understanding
- To identify and monitor successful learning outcomes
- To monitor, review and evaluate teaching and learning and classroom practice
- To maintain an informed view of standards and of the quality of teaching across the academy
- To challenge under-performance at all levels and throughout all departments
- To establish, and maintain, the highest possible standards of behaviour, learning and attainment
- To demonstrate and articulate high expectations and set aspirational targets
- To act as a role model in the provision of high quality learning, teaching and assessment
- To coordinate the activities of staff
- To lead and manage staff in an appropriate manner
- To assist in the implementation of effective procedures to support teachers who are underperforming
- To maintain high morale amongst staff and set an example of professional standards and leadership
- To contribute to the recruitment, training, deployment and professional development of staff
- To promote and sustain effective management of the Academy environment
- To provide information about the work and performance of staff
- To chair meetings
We would like to hear from you if you have:
- QTS (or equivalent) and a good undergraduate degree
- Extensive teaching experience
- Outstanding teaching practice
- Successful management experience as Head of Department or member of the SLT
- Experience of writing department SEF
- Experience of lesson observations and giving feedback
- Experience of improvement planning
- Experience of implementing a range of strategies to raise student achievement, with evidence of success
- Contribution to impact on the quality of learning and teaching and curriculum
- Experience of developing and sustaining positive relationships with students, parents, staff and the Governing Body to build consensus support and capacity
- Proven track record of managing and implementing change in relation to teaching practices and standards
- A track record of success in leadership and management
If you have any questions about this opportunity, please send us an email, or call to arrange a conversation.
Before applying, please download the Job Pack for full details on the job responsibilities and person specification. This will be helpful for you when completing your application, and throughout the recruitment process.
We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we may interview and offer to a candidate before the closing date. Please note that we only accept applications submitted before the closing date via our careers website.
Professional Development & BenefitsOur people are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.
In addition to the opportunities for career development and progression, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, a Wellbeing Cash Plan, electric car scheme, and many other benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our website.
Safeguarding NoticeThe Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.
Equal OpportunitiesThe Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.
