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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: Bring senior leadership experience and a commitment to inclusion and learner success.
- Other info: This role offers autonomy and the chance to shape vocational learning 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 disciplines. 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 challenges and innovations in the field will help you demonstrate your strategic thinking and vision during discussions with the hiring team.
✨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 inspire and empower teams.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the organisation's current programmes and their impact on learners. This knowledge will allow you to speak confidently about how you can contribute to their mission and drive innovation in curriculum development.
We think you need these skills to ace Academic Principal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Academic Principal position. Understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications, as this will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Craft a Tailored CV: Ensure your CV reflects your substantial senior leadership experience in education. Highlight specific achievements in strategic planning, quality improvement, and financial management that align with the role's requirements.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for education and your commitment to inclusion and learner success. Use specific examples to demonstrate your inspiring leadership style and collaborative approach.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a leadership role.
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 where you've successfully implemented change in previous roles.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Style
The role requires an inspiring and inclusive leadership approach. Be ready to share your leadership philosophy and provide examples of how you've empowered teams in the past. This will help the interviewers see how you align with their values of Inspire, Nurture, and Train.
✨Discuss Financial Stewardship
As the Chief Accounting Officer, financial management is crucial. Prepare to talk about your experience with budgeting, financial planning, and ensuring operational performance. Use specific metrics or outcomes from your previous roles to illustrate your success.
✨Emphasise Commitment to Inclusion
With a focus on diverse learners, it's important to convey your commitment to inclusion and learner success. Share examples of initiatives you've led that fostered an inclusive environment and improved educational outcomes for all students.
