At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a thriving secondary academy, driving educational excellence and community engagement.
- Company: Join Eastern Multi Academy Trust, a values-driven organisation committed to transforming lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and expanding academy.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting journey to elevate a school with a strong community focus.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in education and a passion for student success.
The predicted salary is between 95000 - 130000 € per year.
Salary: £95,000 - £130,000 (L26 – 39)
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time
Start Date: September 2025 (or by negotiation)
Responsible to: Director of Education, Eastern Multi Academy Trust
School Type: Secondary Academy, Years 7–11
NOR: 952 (growing – expansion approved to 8FE)
Closing Date: Monday 20th April @ 9am
Interviews: Monday 27th April
Our Story
King's Lynn Academy (KLA) stands at an exciting inflection point. Following the promotion of our long-serving and transformational Principal, Eastern Multi Academy Trust (EMAT) is seeking an inspirational and ambitious leader to build on an extraordinary journey of improvement and take the school to the next level of excellence. KLA was placed in special measures in 2016. By joining EMAT and through courageous, collaborative leadership, the school earned a 'Good' judgement from Ofsted and has since become one of the most oversubscribed secondary schools in Norfolk – growing from approximately 600 to nearly 1,000 pupils. This is a story of community trust rebuilt, standards raised, and ambition restored. We now seek a principal who is ready to sustain and accelerate that momentum: an educational leader with the vision to achieve outstanding outcomes, the relational skills to inspire staff, pupils and community alike, and the strategic acumen to manage a school now entering an exciting phase of physical expansion from 6 to 8 forms of entry.
About King’s Lynn Academy
Situated on Queen Mary Road in the heart of King's Lynn, KLA serves a diverse and proud community in West Norfolk. Our 978 pupils – across Years 7 to 11 – benefit from an ambitious, knowledge-rich curriculum, a strong culture of personal development, and a staff team deeply committed to the belief that every child deserves excellence. KLA is an inclusive school, whose Forward Step referral programme has radically reduced the need for suspension and permanent exclusions. Through forward step, these measures are eliminated through the delivery of an outstanding educational provision combining intensive support and a broad and balanced curriculum which meets the needs of each individual student. The academic and therapeutic are linked through a wholly holistic approach. Learning is rich and rewarding across a range of opportunities which enable all students to fulfil their individual potential and inspire future aspirations. For a small number who start secondary school needing significant support to overcome more significant barriers to learning and to help close the gap between them and their peers, KLA have created a specialist, intensive provision (called the Catch-Up Base – or CUB for short) which supports these students for a significant proportion of their timetable in years 7 and 8, reducing for supported reintegration in Year 9.
Key facts about our school:
- Ofsted-rated Good, across all areas
- One of the most oversubscribed secondary schools in Norfolk – heavily oversubscribed across most year groups
- Approved expansion from 6FE to 8FE, adding 300 pupil places from 2027 onwards
- An ambitious curriculum with a two-year KS4 model and a focus on retention and recall
- A whole-school Personal Development Plan entitlement – at least three face-to-face developmental meetings per pupil per year
- Strong commitment to SEND provision, pupil mental health and therapeutic support
- Award of Duke of Edinburgh, enriched extra-curricular programme and strong community links
- Investment in staff professional development through a comprehensive EMAT CPD offer and ECT/ECF provision
About Eastern Multi Academy Trust
EMAT is a growing, values-driven Trust of 12 primary and secondary academies across West Norfolk, Breckland and Brandon (Suffolk). Founded in 2017, our Trust mission rests on four pillars: Empower, Motivate, Achieve, Transform. Our vision is captured in our motto: Transforming Lives, Transforming Communities. We believe schools must be at the heart of the communities they serve, and our track record demonstrates this – every school that has joined our Trust has improved its Ofsted outcome. KLA is our flagship secondary and central to our Trust's identity and long-term strategy. EMAT's strategic priorities include:
- Raising attainment of all students and accelerating progress, particularly for disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND
- Strengthening curriculum quality and consistency across all phases
- Developing exceptional leaders at all levels, investing in a structured CPD and Expert Practitioners framework
- Embedding safeguarding, mental health and personal development as cornerstones of school culture
- Sustainable growth – managing estate investment and expansion with financial discipline
- Environmental responsibility through a published environmental strategy
The Role
As Principal of King's Lynn Academy you will provide outstanding educational and operational leadership, working closely with the EMAT CEO and central team to sustain and deepen the school's improvement journey. You will be accountable for the quality of education, the wellbeing of every pupil and staff member, and the school's position at the heart of the King's Lynn community.
Safeguarding & Equal Opportunities
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check (including the Children’s Barred List where applicable), medical checks, and satisfactory references. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals. We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups, and welcome part-time and flexible working applications.
How to Apply
Please review the candidate pack and contact our Executive Search Consultant, Alpha Parish (at Academicis) to arrange a confidential initial discussion about the role. Contact Alpha Parish (details below) for a copy of the Principal candidate pack for a detailed job description and person specification. To express your interest in the role, please attach a CV and Alpha will be in touch. Visits can be arranged following a discussion with Alpha Parish, who is overseeing bookings. Alpha can be contacted via email: aparish@academicis.co.uk or phone: 07436 971517 | 01223 907979.
Locations
Principal in King's Lynn, Norfolk employer: Eastern Multi-Academy Trust
At King's Lynn Academy, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture. Our commitment to professional development ensures that staff have ample opportunities for growth, while our strong community ties and focus on student wellbeing create a rewarding environment for educators. Join us in our mission to transform lives and communities as we embark on an exciting journey of expansion and excellence.
Contact Detail:
Eastern Multi-Academy Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal in King's Lynn, Norfolk
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education, attend local events, and engage with online communities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its community. Understand their values and challenges, and think about how your vision aligns with theirs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares about the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership pitch! Be ready to share your experiences and how you've made a difference in previous roles. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to inspire and lead teams effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our amazing team at King’s Lynn Academy.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal in King's Lynn, Norfolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience:Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who you're addressing. At StudySmarter, we value clarity and passion, so make sure your application reflects that. Tailor your language to resonate with the ethos of King’s Lynn Academy and EMAT.
Showcase Your Vision:As a potential Principal, it’s crucial to articulate your vision for the school. We want to see how you plan to build on KLA's success and drive further improvements. Be bold and specific about your ideas and how they align with our mission.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t just list your past roles; tell us how your experiences have prepared you for this position. We’re looking for examples of leadership, innovation, and community engagement that demonstrate your capability to lead KLA into its next chapter.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While we appreciate professionalism, don’t shy away from letting your personality shine through. Share your passion for education and your commitment to student success. A personal touch can make your application stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Eastern Multi-Academy Trust
✨Know Your Story
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your journey as an educational leader. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven improvement in previous roles, especially in challenging environments. This will help you connect with the interviewers and demonstrate your capability to lead KLA through its next phase.
✨Understand the Community
Familiarise yourself with King's Lynn Academy and its community. Research the school's achievements, challenges, and the demographics of its students. Showing that you understand the local context and are committed to serving the community will resonate well with the interview panel.
✨Showcase Your Vision
Prepare to articulate your vision for the future of KLA. Think about how you would sustain and accelerate the momentum of improvement while managing the expansion from 6 to 8 forms of entry. Be specific about strategies you would implement to enhance educational outcomes and foster a positive school culture.
✨Engage with Questions
At the end of the interview, be ready to ask insightful questions. This could include inquiries about the school's strategic priorities or how the EMAT supports its leaders. Engaging with thoughtful questions shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the school aligns with your values and goals.
