Principal in Wembley

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 have 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, at 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, view the full job pack.

• 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

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.

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 read the relevant information.

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 read the relevant information.