Assistant Principal (Quality of Education) in Knowsley

We are seeking an exceptional Assistant Principal Quality of Education to lead on teaching, learning, QA and curriculum ensuring excellence across our 11–18 community to start in September 2026. This pivotal role will lead the development, implementation and impact of teaching, learning and curriculum across the school.

You will oversee the management of Quality Assurance, ECT development and ITT partnerships, ensuring that professional growth and pedagogical excellence are embedded at every level. You will bring strategic clarity, a deep understanding of curriculum and pedagogy, and the ability to inspire others to achieve the highest standards.

Under the Ofsted 2025 Framework, you will drive improvement through evidence-informed practice, ensuring that the intent, implementation and impact of our curriculum reflect our values and ambition for every learner. We are an ambitious, inclusive 11–18 school at an exciting stage of development and at Rainhill High School, we are driven by the Pursuit of Excellence and our values Learn, Think, Contribute, Care. They define who we are and what we do.

If you are passionate about developing others, driving improvement and the passion to make a lasting difference ensuring every student learns, thinks, contributes and cares we’d love to hear from you.

Key Dates:

• Closing date: 9am on Monday 23rd February 2026
• Interviews: Monday 2nd March 2026

Apply now: Email your completed application to jobsrainhillhigh.org.uk

For further information and to apply, please visit Vacancies | Rainhill High School or contact jobsrainhillhigh.org.uk. Prospective candidates are warmly encouraged to visit the school by calling 01744 677205.

Rainhill High School and Sixth Form is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people as well as promoting equality of opportunity and community cohesion; where the diversity of different backgrounds and circumstances is appreciated and positively valued and expects all staff, volunteers and other workers to share in this commitment. This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosing & Barring Certificate and online searches as part of our Safer Recruitment & Selection Procedures.

What the school offers its staff:

• A large and inclusive 11–18 comprehensive, serving over 1,500 pupils including our thriving sixth form, RH6.
• Proudly part of the Stephenson Multi Academy Trust, we are ambitious for our pupils, our community and our staff.
• At Rainhill, every student is entitled to a broad, balanced and ambitious curriculum, enriched by opportunities in sport, the arts and cultural capital, so they leave us prepared for further education, employment and life.
• Our curriculum is ambitious. Students are expected to work hard, and this is complemented by our excellent pastoral care, support and guidance.
• You will find the staff here are determined to support academic achievement but also provide a wide range of enrichment and extra-curricular activities both within and beyond the classroom, ranging from trips to New York to football teams in school; all of which are important in building the confidence, resilience and experiences of every child.
• Our school’s mission is ‘In Pursuit of Excellence’ in everything that we do and our core values; Learn, Think, Contribute, Care, embody our determination to ensure that all our students receive a first-class education that enables them to take their place in society with confidence.

Essential criteria:

• Qualifications & Training: QTS/QTLS and degree. Ongoing CPD in leadership and curriculum.
• Experience: Successful teaching experience across KS3–5. Proven track record of outstanding classroom practice and positive impact on student outcomes. Experience leading on teaching, learning, curriculum, or quality assurance at whole-school or faculty level. Experience mentoring and developing colleagues, including ECTs and/or ITT trainees. Experience of developing and evaluating CPD programmes.
• Knowledge and Understanding: Deep understanding of curriculum intent, implementation and impact. Thorough knowledge of the new Ofsted 2025 Education Inspection Framework (EIF) and its implications for teaching and leadership. Understanding of statutory responsibilities for ECT induction and ITT provision. Knowledge of effective QA systems, self-evaluation and school improvement planning. Awareness of current educational research, national policy and evidence-informed teaching practices. Understanding of inclusion, equality, and how to remove barriers to learning. Familiarity with data analysis tools and how to interpret performance data for improvement.
• Leadership & Management skills: Proven ability to inspire, motivate and develop staff at all career stages. Skilled in leading change and managing performance to achieve sustained improvement. Ability to establish clear expectations, hold others to account and provide constructive feedback. Strong communication, presentation and interpersonal skills. Capacity to think strategically and translate vision into effective action. Ability to foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative culture in line with school values.
• Personal Qualities & Values: Demonstrates alignment with Rainhill’s values Learn, Think, Contribute, Care. Commitment to the school’s ethos and the “Pursuit of Excellence” for all learners. Reflective, self-aware and open to feedback. Resilient, adaptable, and solution-focused under pressure. Demonstrates integrity, professionalism, and emotional intelligence.
• Other: Commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity, and inclusion. Willingness to contribute to wider school life and extracurricular enrichment. Excellent attendance and punctuality record.