Principal - Haberdashers' Knights Academy. Job in London Education & Training Jobs

We are seeking a dynamic, personable Principal to provide strategic and operational leadership at Haberdashers' Knights Academy, a school that sits at the heart of its community, with a clear commitment to excellence, inclusion and opportunity for every child.

Role Purpose

As Principal you are accountable and responsible for standards within the school and for the performance of it. You are critical to its success and that of the Trust. You, alongside the Local Governing Body, are responsible for implementing the vision and strategic direction of the school, within the context of the Trust ethos and values. You will provide strategic, and operational leadership for the school and across the trust. This includes striving to maintain high standards in all aspects, for all pupils and all staff. You will contribute to the collective success of Haberdashers' Academies Trust South by embodying its ethos and values, and by championing equity and excellence. You will seek to model "Together Stronger" in all that you do as an Executive Leader.

• 1. Build a strong and impactful Haberdashers' Experience, from three to forever
  • Implement the key priorities of the trust to support pupils to flourish from three to forever.
  • Implement a curriculum which supports the development of powerful knowledge, and which aligns with the Trust's principles, recognising this is the bedrock of the school.
  • The curriculum will reflect our commitment to diversity, promote equality and equity, and actively challenge discrimination and bias.
  • Prioritise the Haberdashers' Advantage programme within the school and across the Trust, recognising the value and importance of developing individuals with character by providing a broad range of opportunities within and outside of the classroom.
  • Recognising the importance of consistency for pupils, secure high-quality teaching in all areas by implementing the Haberdashers' Principles to enable all pupils to make strong progress, regardless of their background.
  • Use intelligent insight to inform ongoing review and improvement planning, intervention where needed, and resource allocation.
  • Strive to implement our Success For All strategy to close gaps in progress and experience for disadvantaged pupils, those with SEND and those with protected characteristics, ensuring equity of access, opportunity, and outcomes for all learners.
• 2. Secure and maintain a Positive Culture for Learning
  • Establish and maintain a culture of ambition, high expectation, and optimism for all, in every aspect of school life.
  • Create and model an inclusive environment which reflects the trusts commitment to equity, equality, diversity, and inclusion (EEDI) where all pupils and staff feel a sense of belonging, regardless of their background or identity.
  • Ensure pupil wellbeing, safeguarding, and personal development are central to the life of the school and that all 'pastoral' and welfare structures provide excellent support, particularly for those with barriers to their learning.
  • Ensure a strong, positive, and inclusive culture and behaviour for learning ethos, where all pupils can learn and all staff can teach, free from disruption.
  • This ethos will go beyond compliance and support active engagement in learning. Policies will be implemented firmly, fairly, and consistently.
  • Promote student voice and agency, ensuring pupils feel safe, valued, and heard.
• 3. Support and champion the development of Great People
  • Create an environment where all staff believe they can do their best work. This includes adopting a starting point of assumed success, providing constructive development feedback when needed, carrying out ongoing review in line with the Trust's ethos and supporting staff to feel safe as they develop as professionals.
  • In partnership with the Trust HR team and the Habs Institute, to take the lead on recruitment, development, progression, and retention of high‑quality staff who are aligned with the Trust's values and vision. In doing so, promote and apply the Trust's EEDI strategy.
  • Provide high‑quality professional development and coaching to support continuous improvement, in partnership with the Habs Institute.
  • Build leadership capacity at all levels, promoting and enabling strong and effective line management and securing succession planning.
  • Conduct Appraisals in line with Trust policy providing clarity, fairness, and developmental intent.
  • To manage the performance of staff and take the lead in addressing any issues as they arise, in line with the Trust ethos and associated policies and processes.
  • Actively support flexible working, wellbeing, and inclusive practice, ensuring all staff can thrive and progress.
• 4. Build relationships with Stakeholders and the Community
  • Develop strong and effective working relationships with stakeholders including families, the local community, Governors, Trustees, and the Haberdashers' Company.
  • Ensure all communication and engagement strategies are accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of the communities we serve.
  • Work collaboratively with other Trust leaders, Principals, and Trust teams to share best practice and drive collective improvement; setting strategic priorities and monitoring progress.
  • Always represent the school positively, supporting its ethos and mission.
  • Engage effectively and actively with the local authority, external agencies, partners, and regulators as required and appropriate, to support continued improvement.
  • Advocate for the needs of all pupils and families, particularly those who may be marginalised or underrepresented.
• 5. Organisational Management
  • Ensure the efficient and effective use of financial, physical, and human resources; working closely with the Trust teams which oversee these areas. This includes budget setting and monitoring, within the confines of the finance structures.
  • Monitor the impact of these areas to ensure organisational systems, policies, and practices are secure, support efficient and effective working practices which in turn support the wellbeing of staff.
  • Ensure policies and procedures are implemented consistently and fairly, complying with equality legislation.
  • Maintain robust systems for health and safety, safeguarding, compliance, and risk management, working with the relevant Trust teams to ensure best practice.
  • Lead school improvement planning, accurate self‑evaluation, and accountability processes within the school and contribute to those across the trust, ensuring clarity and consistency. This will include preparations for Ofsted when needed.
  • Use all resources strategically to secure high standards, support inclusion, and reduce barriers to participation and achievement.
• 6. Being a 'Leader Who Cares'
  • Model the Trust ethos and values in all that you do, recognising that you are a critical role model for staff, pupils, their families, and the communities we serve.
  • Model the leaders who care framework, modelling ethical leadership by being brave, candid, and clear.
  • Uphold the Trust commitment to EEDI and inclusion through your leadership behaviours; being self‑aware, and respecting difference.
  • Engage actively in your own professional learning, coaching, and Trust‑wide leadership development; committing to ongoing learning, including in EEDI, and using this to inform leadership practice and decision‑making.
  • Manage your workload and wellbeing effectively, asking for help and support if needed, and modelling healthy and sustainable leadership practices.
  • Uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability in everything you do.
  • Uphold our commitment to safeguarding and report any concerns in accordance with Trust policy and KCSIE.

We work hard as leaders within our Trust as we know what we do matters. Your wellbeing is important. You will be encouraged to take time away from work at weekend and holidays and to model that for others. Within the above you will be expected to follow Trust policies and statutory requirements. Any deviation from statutory guidance should be discussed with the CEO. Your support and development is a priority. You are entitled to support in your development and in times of challenge. You will be directly line managed by the CEO who will maintain regular contact with you. You will also work closely with the LGB and the Chair in particular. The trust teams will support you in achieving your objectives.