At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a talent pool for aspiring leaders in education and make a real impact.
- Company: Ark, a high-performing multi-academy trust dedicated to educational excellence.
- Benefits: Higher salaries, generous pension, extensive training, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as an Assistant or Vice Principal, with a passion for education.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment with opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
Want to join the Ark network and make a real impact within education? We are building a talent pool of strong existing and aspiring Assistant & Vice Principals who might be looking for career advice, want to learn more about Ark, or who are open to joining Ark in the future.
We understand the importance of developing and growing our leaders. We know that our schools are only as good as our teachers and leaders. Our Assistant and Vice Principals work with some of the best Principals and leaders nationally and have access to exceptional training, including nationally recognised qualifications such as NPQSL and NPQH.
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce where everyone, staff and students, can deliver their best work and achieve their full potential. We want our senior leadership teams to reflect and represent the diverse perspectives of our student body because we know that in doing so, we will be stronger and more effective.
Interested in a career with Ark? To learn more about Ark, the benefits of being a senior leader within our network and to hear about upcoming opportunities, join our talent pool by uploading an up-to-date CV, career summary or personal statement. Suitable candidates will be contacted to schedule an initial call to discuss their experience further.
Benefits
- Salary: Our salaries for teaching and leadership staff are 2.5% higher than the main pay scale.
- Pension: Our scheme is generous: a salary average defined benefit pension scheme, meaning you build up a guaranteed amount in your pension, payable for every year of your retirement.
- Training: We offer double the amount of training time within working hours and have additional INSET days to allow time for bespoke training to suit you and your school’s needs. You will also have access to nationally recognised qualifications such as NPQSL as well as a dedicated online learning platform and leadership training of Ark’s Great Teacher Rubric (GTR).
- Wellbeing: You will have full access to an Employee Assistance Programme which provides free, confidential counselling, financial and legal advice and a range of different support to both you and your family.
- Health: Our gym discounts offer up to 40% off your local gym.
- Other benefits: You will also have access to Ark Rewards – a scheme offering savings from over 3,000 major retailers. We also offer interest-free loans to staff of up to £5,000 for season tickets or to buy a bicycle.
About Us
Ark is a network of 39 schools, reaching 30,000 students in our primary, secondary and all-through schools in Birmingham, Hastings, London and Portsmouth. Our schools are fully comprehensive and we are proud of our diversity, with over 45% of our students eligible for free school meals. Our 2025 results showed continued improvement, with 69 percent of our year 11 pupils achieving grades 9-4 in English and maths and 78 percent of our Year 6 children achieving the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined – 16 percentage points higher than the national average of 62 percent. Our leaders are a team of experts who are working together to overcome some of the biggest challenges in education. As we continue to strengthen the Ark network at every level, we are always on the lookout for great leaders to join us and build on this success.
Safeguarding
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.
Senior Leadership Talent Pool for Aspiring Principals employer: ARK
Contact Detail:
ARK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Leadership Talent Pool for Aspiring Principals
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former leaders at Ark on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for you. This personal touch can really set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that initial call! Research Ark’s values and recent achievements. Being able to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! During conversations, share specific examples of how you've led teams or projects. Highlighting your successes will help us see the impact you could make at Ark.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your chat, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for their time. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for joining the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Leadership Talent Pool for Aspiring Principals
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV is your first impression, so make it count! Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant qualifications, like NPQSL or NPQH. Tailor it to reflect how your skills align with Ark's mission and values.
Personal Statement Power: Use your personal statement to showcase your passion for education and leadership. Share specific examples of how you've made an impact in previous roles and why you're excited about the opportunity at Ark.
Be Authentic: We want to get to know the real you! Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. Share your unique perspective and experiences that contribute to a diverse and inclusive workforce.
Apply Through Our Website: Ready to take the plunge? Make sure to apply through our website for a smooth process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep you updated on your journey with Ark!
How to prepare for a job interview at ARK
✨Know Your Ark
Before your interview, take some time to research Ark and its values. Understand their commitment to diversity and inclusion, as well as their educational approach. This will help you align your answers with their mission and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As an aspiring Principal, it's crucial to highlight your leadership experience. Prepare specific examples of how you've led teams, managed challenges, or implemented successful initiatives in your previous roles. This will demonstrate your capability and readiness for a senior leadership position.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with insightful questions about Ark's leadership development programmes, the culture within their schools, and how they support their leaders. This not only shows your interest but also helps you assess if Ark is the right fit for you.
✨Emphasise Continuous Learning
Ark values professional development, so be sure to discuss your commitment to continuous learning. Mention any relevant qualifications, such as NPQSL or NPQH, and express your enthusiasm for further training opportunities. This will reinforce your dedication to growing as a leader within their network.