Assistant Principal

Are you ready to change the world? Harris Science Academy East London is a new, small school with big ambitions. Join us on our mission to help our children become leaders in their chosen field with many leading in science and to become one of the top schools in the UK. This is no ordinary school. Situated in an eclectic array of buildings next to the renowned Three Mills Studios amongst the iconic East London canal network, this is a unique setting to provide a life changing education for the children of East London.

We believe we will succeed in this mission through a relentless focus on the basic functions of a high performing school:

• Unified leadership and alignment behind a powerful mission.
• Exemplary student behaviour.
• A well-taught, unapologetically academic education for all children.
• Regular opportunities for character development.

Every member of our school community is a leader. We believe that leadership does not have to be macho or at the expense of others. Our values of GRACE help us to achieve success in a collegiate and sustainable way:

• Growth – the belief that we can always improve and that feedback from others is essential for our development.
• Responsibility – we own our decisions and recognise when we need to put things right or make a change.
• Ambition – the belief that access to the top grades, the best universities and elite careers are available for our children.
• Compassion – we are kind to others and grateful for what we have.
• Excellence – we prioritise doing the basics well day after day, so we build habits that lead to success.

The school joined the Harris Federation in September 2022. The Harris Federation is the most successful large multi-academy trust in the UK and the only large trust where disadvantaged students secured a positive progress score in 2022. We are hugely proud of the work we do to support the most vulnerable children in the UK. The Federation has made a significant financial investment in the Academy, with upgrades to Sixth Form provision, buildings and IT. The Federation subject consultants provide industry leading support to middle leaders to deliver the best education possible for all children across the Federation.

If you are aligned, driven and committed to doing what works, this is an excellent opportunity to join an organisation undergoing rapid transformation.

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

We are looking for an outstanding leader to join us as Assistant Principal, supporting the strategic and operational management, development and leadership of Harris Science Academy East London, and ensuring the achievement of our ethos, aims and objectives.

MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Your 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.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

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.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

Senior Leader Development: With Harris, you will join a large network of likeminded senior leaders and have opportunities to learn from colleagues who are some of the best senior leaders in the country. Our senior leaders can benefit from tailored professional development programmes via the Harris Institute of Teaching and Leadership which will enable you to develop your pedagogy, leadership skills and drive school improvement. Supported by experienced mentors, you can access national professional qualifications and draw on expert knowledge from dedicated subject consultants who offer invaluable subject and curriculum insight.

Flexible Working: We are committed to fostering a positive and supportive working environment for our staff, recognising that achieving a balance between professional and personal responsibilities is essential. We understand that each individual’s circumstances are unique, which is why we offer flexible working options that can be adapted to meet the needs of both the academy and our employees.

Benefits: 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, Teachers Pension Scheme, a Wellbeing Cash Plan, Employee Assistance Programme, and many other benefits.

Safeguarding Notice: The 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 Opportunities: The 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.

APPLYING FOR THIS POSITION: Thank you for your interest in this position. If you would like to discuss this opportunity, or to request a visit, please email the academy via the Why work page on harriscareers. Before applying, please download the Job Pack for full details on the job responsibilities and person specification. This will be help 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.