At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead school improvement and uphold high expectations for student success.
- Company: Join Ark Elvin Academy, a thriving secondary school in Brent.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent training, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives in a diverse community.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Vice Principal or proven Head with ambition.
- Other info: Supportive environment with access to a dedicated network of professionals.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Ark Elvin Academy seeks to appoint a new Principal who will set the highest expectations across all aspects of school improvement, uphold an unwavering belief in Ark Elvin’s ability to continue to drive standards and build on its exceptional strengths. The new Principal will lead a strong, dedicated staff team and much to be proud of, but with still more to do.
The appointed Principal will join Ark Elvin this September (2026), or sooner if possible. Ark Elvin has been on a remarkable school improvement journey from special measures to outstanding in 6 years but the work is not yet done, and if anything, the team of highly qualified staff are more ambitious and excited about the next chapter of the school’s development.
We are open to applications from successful and highly capable Vice Principals who are looking to step into their first headship or from proven Heads who are seeking new challenges in a school with great potential. We warmly welcome and encourage confidential conversations about the role and visits to our school for suitable candidates.
If you are interested in finding out more about this opportunity, please contact our Head of Talent, Lexy di Marco, on Alexia.diMarco@arkonline.org. To apply, please submit an application via the Ark recruitment portal by 9am on Friday 27th February. If you have any questions, concerns or time constraints with applying please contact us directly. School visits are to be arranged as suitable for the candidate and interviews will be held week commencing Monday 2nd March, or to be arranged as suitable for the candidate.
For more information about the role, the school and Ark, please view the full job pack.
Benefits:- Influence across network-wide issues through our principal meetings and regional collaboration
- Support from a supportive Regional Director
- On-hand expertise from our dedicated network education and operations teams who are ready to support you and your school
- Bespoke teacher development programmes supported by the Great Teacher Rubric
- Excellent career development opportunities across both the region and wider Ark network
- Access to excellent senior leadership training
- Highly competitive remuneration
Find out more about the benefits of working for Ark at arkonline.org/careers/why-work-with-us/.
Ark Elvin Academy is an inclusive, 11-18 secondary school and sixth form serving 1300 students from the local community in Brent. With over 40% of students eligible for free school meals, and 80% of pupils EAL, the successful candidate will champion the school’s diverse community and hold high expectations for what high-quality inclusive education should be. They will demonstrate a deep commitment to the local community of Wembley and bring experience of working in similarly disadvantaged contexts.
The team are on a mission to provide a quality education that ensures every student makes progress, achieves the highest possible outcomes, and are supported to the next stage of their journey. Ark Elvin Academy is part of the Ark network, one of the country’s most successful multi-academy trusts. The newly appointed Principal will have the support of a dedicated Regional Director and have access to exceptional coaching and training opportunities, as well as the opportunity to collaborate with principal colleagues across London and our wider network.
Visit arkelvinacademy.org/jobs to learn more about us.
Diversity and inclusion: We aim to build a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone – staff and students – can do their best work and achieve their full potential. We want to reflect and represent diverse perspectives across our organisation because we know that doing so will make us stronger and more effective.
To know more about Ark’s diversity and inclusion commitments, please click on this link.
Safeguarding statement: 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.
To read more about Ark’s safer recruitment process, please click this link.
Principal in London employer: ARK ELVIN ACADEMY
Contact Detail:
ARK ELVIN ACADEMY Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Ark Elvin Academy inside out! Visit the school, chat with staff, and soak up the atmosphere. This will not only help you understand their culture but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. They can provide insights that could give you an edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions by practising your responses. Think about how your experience aligns with Ark Elvin’s mission and values, and be ready to share specific examples.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, if you have any questions, just reach out to us directly – we’re here to help!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for education and school improvement shine through. We want to see your commitment to driving standards and supporting students in their journey.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to reflect the specific values and goals of Ark Elvin Academy. Highlight your experience in similar contexts and how you can contribute to our mission of providing quality education.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the key competencies we’re looking for in a Principal. Avoid fluff and get straight to the good stuff!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via the Ark recruitment portal! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen by the right people. Plus, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us directly.
How to prepare for a job interview at ARK ELVIN ACADEMY
✨Know the School's Journey
Familiarise yourself with Ark Elvin Academy's remarkable journey from special measures to outstanding. Understanding this transformation will help you articulate how you can contribute to the next chapter of their development.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership philosophy and how it aligns with the school's mission. Highlight your experience in leading diverse teams and driving school improvement, especially in challenging contexts.
✨Engage with the Community
Demonstrate your commitment to the local community of Wembley. Share examples of how you've successfully engaged with parents and local organisations to enhance educational outcomes for students.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Have a set of insightful questions ready for the interview panel. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the school is the right fit for you. Consider asking about their future goals and how they envision the new Principal contributing to those.