At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape a brand-new all-through SEND school from the ground up.
- Company: Join Astrum Multi Academy Trust, a specialist SEND trust with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Generous pension schemes, employee assistance programme, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a culture of collaboration await you.
- Why this job: Create a lasting legacy for children with complex needs in a supportive community.
- Qualifications: Experienced senior leader with a passion for inclusive education and SEND.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
A rare opportunity to open and lead a brand‑new all‑through SEND school, shaping vision, culture and provision from the ground up, supported by a leading specialist trust and driven by ambition for children and young people with complex needs. The new school will be located in the London Borough of Havering, on Balgores Lane in Gidea Park, within easy reach of the Elizabeth line. This highly accessible location sits within an established residential community and reflects the Trust’s commitment to working closely with local families, professionals and partners to meet the needs of children and young people with SEND across the borough.
The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to actively share this commitment. All appointments will be subject to pre-employment checks, including an enhanced check with the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS), as well as scrutiny of employment history, robust referencing and online searches, in line with Safer Recruitment guidance and the need to maintain a safe culture. It is an offence to apply for a role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity.
Our safeguarding culture is underpinned by policies and procedures which encourage and promote safe working practice across the Trust. On joining you will be required to undergo continuous professional development to maintain safe working practice and to safeguard our children and young people.
The Role: As Principal, you will be accountable to the CEO and Astrum Multi Academy Trust Board for the successful establishment, leadership and performance of this new all through SLD school. You will provide strategic, professional and moral leadership, ensuring outstanding outcomes for pupils while operating within Astrum’s trust wide frameworks, values and statutory responsibilities.
This role combines the creativity and autonomy of opening a new school with the stability, governance and support of an established SEND trust. During the first two terms, the successful candidate will work closely alongside our CEO, Quality of Education Lead and experienced Principals across current Astrum academies. This time will be dedicated to carefully preparing for the opening of their own school, supported through a rich programme of induction, mentoring and collaboration, and benefiting from deep professional expertise every step of the journey.
Key Responsibilities- Strategic Leadership and School Development: Create, articulate and embed a shared vision and ethos, aligned to Astrum values and shaped collaboratively with pupils, families, staff and the local Havering community. Lead the strategic planning, establishment and phased growth of a brand new all through SEND provision, ensuring readiness for opening and long term sustainability.
- Teaching, Learning and Curriculum: Design and implement a high quality personalised SEND curriculum across all phases, informed by current research and best practice. Champion excellence in teaching and learning, ensuring robust assessment, tracking and intervention systems that secure strong progress for all pupils.
- Leadership of People and Culture: Recruit, develop and retain a skilled, inclusive and values driven staff team, fostering high expectations, professional learning and staff wellbeing. Implement effective performance management, coaching and succession planning within Astrum frameworks.
- Safeguarding, Ethos and Community: Ensure the highest standards of safeguarding, pupil welfare and risk management. Build strong, trusting relationships with families and work closely with health, social care and other partners to deliver holistic support.
- Operational Leadership: Oversee effective operational management in partnership with Astrum’s central teams for finance, operations and HR, ensuring value for money and compliance.
What Makes This Opportunity Different: A once in a career chance to open and shape a brand new SEND school from the ground up. The autonomy to create culture, curriculum and community — without being alone. The backing of a specialist, experienced SEND trust with strong governance and infrastructure. The opportunity to work collaboratively with families, professionals and the Havering community to co-produce provision that truly meets local needs.
The Ideal Candidate: You will be an experienced senior leader with significant SEND leadership experience, with a strong understanding of complex and diverse needs. Have a proven track record of building positive culture, improving outcomes and developing others. Be passionate about inclusive education and ambitious for pupils with complex needs. Be a strategic thinker and excellent communicator with strong people leadership and change management skills, confident in working with families, local authorities, health professionals and the wider community.
Why Join Us: This role offers the chance to leave a lasting legacy for children, families and the Havering community. If you are an ambitious SEND leader inspired by the opportunity to build something exceptional from the start, we would love to hear from you.
Astrum values diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity for all staff, and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. We celebrate and embrace unique individuality, background and heritage.
Principal - Balgores Academy (All phases) employer: Astrum Multi Academy Trust
Astrum Multi Academy Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead the establishment of a brand-new all-through SEND school in the heart of Havering. With a strong commitment to professional development, collaboration, and community engagement, employees benefit from expert support, a culture of inclusivity, and the chance to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and young people with complex needs. The Trust's focus on safeguarding, wellbeing, and work-life balance further enhances its appeal as a rewarding workplace.
Contact Details:
Astrum Multi Academy Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal - Balgores Academy (All phases)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved with SEND. They might have insider info on the role or even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the school's vision and values. Show us how your experience aligns with their mission to support children with complex needs. Bring your A-game!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just talk about your qualifications; share real stories that highlight your leadership skills and commitment to inclusive education. We love hearing about your successes and challenges!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll be part of a community that values collaboration and innovation in education.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal - Balgores Academy (All phases)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for SEND:When writing your application, let your passion for special educational needs shine through. Share personal experiences or insights that demonstrate your commitment to making a difference in the lives of children with complex needs.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and vision of Astrum Multi Academy Trust. Highlight how your leadership style aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to building a positive culture at Balgores Academy.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us easily understand your qualifications and vision for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our trust there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Astrum Multi Academy Trust
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, take some time to articulate your vision for the new SEND school. Think about how you would shape the culture and curriculum, and be ready to discuss how your ideas align with the values of Astrum Multi Academy Trust.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past leadership roles that demonstrate your ability to improve outcomes for students with complex needs. Highlight your experience in building positive cultures and developing staff, as these are key aspects of the Principal role.
✨Engage with the Community
Since this role involves working closely with families and local partners, be prepared to discuss how you would build strong relationships within the Havering community. Share any previous experiences where you successfully collaborated with external stakeholders.
✨Emphasise Safeguarding Commitment
Given the importance of safeguarding in this role, be ready to talk about your approach to ensuring pupil welfare and safety. Discuss any relevant policies or practices you've implemented in the past that promote a safe and inclusive environment.
