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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a creative institution, shaping curriculum and ensuring educational excellence.
- Company: Join a nationally recognised provider in jewellery design and business education.
- Benefits: Enjoy a values-led culture with opportunities for innovation and influence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on learners' lives and drive change in creative education.
- Qualifications: Must have senior leadership experience, a degree, and a teaching qualification.
- Other info: This role offers the chance to work across multiple campuses in the UK.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
Are you an experienced senior leader in education ready to shape the strategic direction of a nationally recognised creative institution? We’re seeking a visionary Principal to lead a specialist training and education provider known for excellence in jewellery design, manufacturing, and business education.
This is a rare opportunity to guide an organisation delivering Level 3 Apprenticeships, Diplomas, and Higher Education qualifications (HNDs and BAs), working across multiple sites in London, the Midlands, and the North of England. The role requires a strategic thinker and inclusive leader to inspire staff and students, oversee academic quality, and maintain robust financial and operational performance.
About the Organisation
This multi-campus provider has earned a strong reputation in the UK’s creative education sector, supporting learners through funded, co-funded, and privately financed programmes. Courses are delivered via classroom-based, apprenticeship, and higher education routes, serving learners from diverse backgrounds and fostering practical, industry-led skills.
The provider is proud of its learner-first ethos, underpinned by three core values: Inspire, Nurture, and Train.
The Role
As Principal, you will:
- Provide strategic and operational leadership across all departments
- Shape curriculum development and maintain educational excellence
- Act as Chief Accounting Officer, ensuring strong financial stewardship
- Represent the organisation externally at local, regional, and national levels
- Promote safeguarding, equality, and a positive learning culture
- Drive innovation in delivery, partnerships, and programme growth
- Lead and develop the Senior Management Team, ensuring alignment with organisational vision and compliance
Ideal Candidate
You will bring:
- Substantial senior leadership experience in education
- A proven track record of strategic planning, quality improvement, and financial management
- Experience in further education, apprenticeships, and ideally higher education
- A commitment to inclusion, learner success, and innovation
- An inspiring leadership style and a collaborative, empowering approach
Essential qualifications include a degree and a recognised teaching qualification. A higher degree or leadership/professional accreditation is desirable.
Why Join?
This is a pivotal time to join a forward-thinking, values-led organisation committed to transforming lives through education. You’ll play a key role in shaping the future of vocational and creative learning in the UK, with the autonomy to innovate and influence at the highest level.
Academic Principal employer: Burman Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Burman Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Academic Principal
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the education sector, especially those involved in vocational training and creative arts. Attend relevant conferences or workshops to connect with potential colleagues and industry leaders who can provide insights into the role and organisation.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the latest trends in creative education and apprenticeship programmes. Being knowledgeable about current developments will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to innovation and excellence in education.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how it aligns with the organisation's core values of Inspire, Nurture, and Train. Think of specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to lead inclusively and drive academic quality.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the financial aspects of educational leadership. Be ready to discuss your experience in financial management and how you can ensure strong stewardship for the organisation’s resources during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Academic Principal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Academic Principal position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and qualifications required, as this will help you tailor your application effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your substantial senior leadership experience in education. Provide specific examples of your strategic planning, quality improvement, and financial management achievements that align with the role.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: Describe your inspiring leadership style and collaborative approach in your application. Use anecdotes to illustrate how you've empowered teams and fostered a positive learning culture in previous roles.
Align with Core Values: Make sure to reflect the organisation's core values of Inspire, Nurture, and Train in your application. Discuss how your vision and commitment to inclusion and learner success resonate with these values.
How to prepare for a job interview at Burman Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Vision
As a Principal, you'll need to demonstrate your strategic thinking. Prepare to discuss your vision for the institution and how you plan to inspire both staff and students. Think about specific examples from your past experience that highlight your ability to lead and innovate.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity
Given the organisation's commitment to inclusion, be ready to share your approach to fostering an inclusive learning environment. Discuss any initiatives you've led that support diverse learners and how you plan to continue this ethos in your new role.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
As the Chief Accounting Officer, financial stewardship is crucial. Be prepared to talk about your experience with budget management and financial planning. Highlight any successful strategies you've implemented to improve financial performance in previous roles.
✨Engage with Their Values
The organisation prides itself on its core values: Inspire, Nurture, and Train. Familiarise yourself with these values and think of ways to incorporate them into your leadership style. During the interview, reference how these principles align with your own beliefs and practices in education.
