At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a positive school culture and inspire students and staff to achieve excellence.
- Company: Ellis Guilford School, a thriving secondary school in Nottingham.
- Benefits: Professional development opportunities, annual conferences, and a supportive leadership team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives and shape a successful school environment.
- Qualifications: Honours Degree, Qualified Teacher Status, and leadership experience in education.
- Other info: Join a dedicated team committed to integrity, ambition, and equality.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about shaping a positive, highly successful school culture and fostering an environment where every child thrives? This is an exciting opportunity to join our strategic and collaborative Senior Leadership Team as we grow in ambition and impact.
Location: Nottingham
Start Date: Easter 2026 preferred (later start considered for the right candidate)
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full Time
The Ellis Guilford School is a thriving secondary school with a clear mission to give children a better chance of success than if they attended any other school. We deliver a broad and balanced curriculum, with an emphasis on creative subjects, and Graded ‘Good’ by Ofsted in 2023.
Our Senior Leadership Team is a strong group of talented professionals led by Principal Miss Gemma Johnson. We are fortunate to have a dedicated staff of over 180 adults who work relentlessly to provide an excellent standard of education.
You will lead a positive school culture of high performance, high achievement, and inspire staff and children to uphold the school values of ambition, integrity and respect.
Key Responsibilities:- Drive a culture of excellence across the school
- Lead behaviour and attendance improvement initiatives
- Provide leadership and support in SEND and special education needs
- Collaborate with the leadership team to monitor student progress and curriculum development
- Ensure statutory compliance and maintain high standards of safeguarding
- Support and develop staff through coaching, CPD and performance management
- Resilient and relentless in pursuit of ‘EGScellence’
- Can‑do, will‑do work ethic
- Sets high expectations and fosters a culture where pupils respect others and their surroundings
- Strong commitment to values of integrity, ambition and equality
- An Honours Degree and Qualified Teacher Status
- Experience of middle or senior leadership within a school setting
- Evidence of successful and sustained impact within an educational environment
- Record of relevant continuous professional development (including a significant leadership/management component)
We warmly invite you to attend our upcoming Recruitment Event on Tuesday 27th January 2026 from 5.30pm-6.30pm. Submit your application directly through our website. Application closing date: Monday 2nd February 2026, 9am.
CET are committed to learning and development. Annual conferences, network meetings and CPD cover leadership, DSL, autism awareness and more.
Ellis Guilford School is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Assistant Principal in Nottingham employer: Creative Education Trust
Contact Detail:
Creative Education Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Principal in Nottingham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture before your interview. Research Ellis Guilford School's values and recent achievements. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current staff or alumni if possible. A quick chat can give you insider info on what they value in a leader and how you can align your experience with their expectations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples of how you've driven positive change in previous roles. Highlight your successes in behaviour and attendance initiatives, as well as your approach to SEND support.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Ellis Guilford School.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Principal in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for shaping a positive school culture! In your application, share specific examples of how you've fostered an environment where students thrive. We want to feel your passion jump off the page!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and mission of Ellis Guilford School. Highlight your experience in driving behaviour and attendance initiatives, as well as your commitment to SEND. This will show us you’re the right fit for our team!
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points if necessary to make your achievements stand out. We want to easily see how you meet the qualifications and responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details promptly. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our community at Ellis Guilford School!
How to prepare for a job interview at Creative Education Trust
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to really understand the school's values of ambition, integrity, and respect. Think about how these values resonate with your own experiences and leadership style. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've embodied these values in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As an Assistant Principal, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare to discuss your past experiences in middle or senior leadership roles, focusing on how you've driven improvements in behaviour and attendance. Use data and specific outcomes to illustrate your impact.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and approach to fostering a positive school culture. Think about challenges you've faced in the past and how you overcame them. Practising your responses can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Engage with the Interview Panel
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the panel about their vision for the school and the Senior Leadership Team. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.