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 opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape the future of a growing school with ambitious goals.
- 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.
Principal in Norfolk employer: Eastern Multi-Academy Trust
King's Lynn Academy, part of the Eastern Multi Academy Trust, is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its staff while fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture. With a strong commitment to professional development, including comprehensive CPD opportunities and a focus on mental health and wellbeing, KLA empowers its educators to inspire and transform the lives of students in a vibrant community setting. Join us at this pivotal moment as we expand our capacity and continue our journey towards excellence in education.
Contact Details:
Eastern Multi-Academy Trust Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal in Norfolk
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at King’s Lynn Academy or other schools in the Eastern Multi Academy Trust. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into KLA's journey. Understand their challenges and successes, and think about how your vision aligns with their goals. We want to see that you’re not just a fit, but the perfect match!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! Think of examples where you've inspired teams or improved educational outcomes. We love seeing how you’ve made a difference in previous roles – it’s all about that transformational leadership vibe.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate leaders who can help us transform lives and communities.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal in Norfolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for education and leadership shine through. We want to see how excited you are about the opportunity to lead at King’s Lynn Academy and make a real difference in the community.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to reflect the specific needs and values of KLA and EMAT. Highlight your experience with improving educational outcomes and your vision for the future of the school. We love seeing candidates who understand our mission!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 own journey in education. Be ready to share how your experiences align with the transformational story of King’s Lynn Academy and the Eastern Multi Academy Trust. Highlight specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire.
✨Understand the Community
Familiarise yourself with the diverse community that KLA serves. Research local demographics, challenges, and successes. This will help you articulate how you plan to engage with the community and enhance the school’s role within it during your interview.
✨Showcase Your Vision
Prepare to discuss your vision for the future of KLA, especially regarding its expansion from 6 to 8 forms of entry. Think about how you can sustain and accelerate the momentum of improvement while maintaining high standards and inclusivity for all students.
✨Engage with Key Priorities
Be ready to talk about how you would address EMAT's strategic priorities, such as raising attainment for disadvantaged pupils and strengthening curriculum quality. Bring examples of how you've successfully implemented similar initiatives in your previous roles.
