At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a diverse school community to achieve educational excellence.
- Company: Harris Academy Beckenham, a vibrant and inclusive secondary academy.
- Benefits: Generous salary, performance bonuses, private medical cover, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive network with excellent career growth and collaboration opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives and drive positive change in education.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in school improvement and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Harris Academy Beckenham are looking to appoint a Principal in the new academic year. We are seeking an exceptional, experienced leader with a passion for transforming lives and driving educational excellence. This is a unique opportunity to lead a school where collaboration, challenge, and the pursuit of excellence are at the heart of everything we do.
As Principal, you will be at the forefront of leading and shaping the vision for the academy, ensuring every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential. This role demands a leader who is not only driven by the desire to deliver academic success, but who also understands the importance of personal growth, wellbeing, and social mobility.
This position could suit either a current Principal/Headteacher or an experienced Deputy looking to progress into their first principalship. For first time Principals, we will provide support, coaching and individual mentoring from a highly experienced Harris Executive Principal to help you succeed in post. We also offer a variety of CPD programmes to assist you in achieving your vision and future goals. For those thinking ahead to Executive Principalship, we can also offer you the chance to complete your NPQEL via our Harris Institute of Teaching & Leadership.
About Us
Harris Academy Beckenham is an oversubscribed, inclusive 11–18 secondary academy serving a richly diverse local community. The academy is characterised by high expectations, strong relationships, and a firm belief that every child can succeed, regardless of background or starting point.
Staff at Harris Academy Beckenham are united by a shared commitment to academic excellence, character development, and social mobility. The curriculum is ambitious and carefully designed to support pupils of all abilities to thrive, while a strong pastoral system ensures that wellbeing, behaviour and personal development remain central to academy life.
As part of the Harris Federation, the academy benefits from proven systems, evidence‑led approaches to school improvement, and a culture of collaboration that enables leaders and teachers to learn from best practice across a large and high‑performing network of schools.
Alongside academic excellence, we champion core values that develop the whole person: ambition, perseverance, legacy, kindness and scholarship. These are the principles that shape our community and guide our students as they prepare to become future leaders, thinkers, and changemakers.
Our Location
Harris Academy Beckenham is in the London Borough of Bromley, an area that combines strong community identity with excellent transport links into central London and across the Southeast. The academy is well connected by rail, tram and bus routes, making it easily accessible for staff travelling from across Greater London and beyond. Beckenham itself offers a mix of urban convenience and green spaces, providing an attractive setting for both work and life outside school.
Why work for us?
Leading Harris Academy Beckenham means joining an organisation that invests deeply in its leaders. Principals within the Harris Federation are empowered to lead with autonomy while benefiting from exceptional central support, including expertise in education, finance, HR, estates, and governance.
You will have access to high‑quality leadership development through the Harris Institute of Teaching and Leadership, including opportunities to complete the NPQEL and to progress towards Executive Principalship for those with longer‑term ambitions. Collaboration is a defining feature of the Federation, allowing Principals to work alongside experienced peers and contribute to system‑wide improvement.
Above all, this role offers the opportunity to make a lasting difference leading a school where ambition is encouraged, success is celebrated, and education is a powerful driver of life chances.
Main Areas of Responsibility
As Principal, you will need to provide the leadership and management necessary to secure high quality teaching and learning to raise standards of achievement.
- There is a positive ethos that reflects the Academy's commitment to high achievement, effective teaching and learning, and good relationships.
- Staff, governors and parents have confidence in the leadership and management of the Academy.
- Staff and governors recognise their accountability for their tasks and contribute fully to the development and successful implementation of policies and practices.
- The life of the Academy and the curriculum effectively promote students' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and prepare them for adult life.
- Effectiveness is kept under rigorous review, and links with the wider community contribute to students' attainment and personal development.
- Efficient and effective use is made of staff, accommodation and resources.
- Delegated responsibilities to ensuring that finance and administration are effective, and the carefully costed development plan is focused on improving educational outcomes.
Qualifications & Experience
The successful applicant must have a proven track record of school improvement, and have gained successful previous experience in leading, or as part of, an SLT to transform a school and raise outcomes. We are looking for a strong communicator who can demonstrate strengths in engaging with and inspiring not just staff, but also students and parents of the local community. You will provide the leadership and management necessary to secure high quality teaching and learning to further raise standards of achievement.
We are looking for an experienced senior leader who ideally has:
- Qualified Teacher Status, Degree, Further relevant professional studies.
- Relevant Further Degree or NPQH.
- Thorough knowledge and understanding of current curriculum developments and how pupils learn.
- Leadership in curriculum development and in monitoring and evaluation strategies.
- Proven track record of raising attainment in an urban, multi-ethnic environment.
- Track record of raising standards in English and Mathematics and good knowledge of raising standards in Literacy and Numeracy.
Next Steps
For an informal call with Rebecca Hickey, Secondary Education Director, to discuss this opportunity or to request a visit, please contact Kassy O'Keefe, Talent Acquisition Coordinator via email.
You will also have full access to our rewards package which includes a performance bonus, private medical cover and lots more benefits available via our schemes.
Safeguarding Notice
The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.
The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.
Principal in London employer: Harris Federation
Harris Academy Beckenham is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth and wellbeing of its staff, offering a substantial salary, discretionary performance bonuses, and comprehensive private medical cover. The academy fosters a collaborative work culture where leaders are empowered to innovate and drive educational excellence, supported by extensive leadership development opportunities through the Harris Institute of Teaching and Leadership. Located in the vibrant London Borough of Bromley, staff enjoy excellent transport links and a community-focused environment that balances urban convenience with green spaces, making it an attractive place to work and thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal in London
✨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 a Principal role or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the academy's values and recent achievements. Tailor your responses to show how your leadership style aligns with their mission of transforming lives and driving educational excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for personal growth and wellbeing during interviews. Discuss how you've previously supported staff and students in these areas, as it’s crucial for a Principal at Harris Academy Beckenham.
✨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 love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our community.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for education and transforming lives shine through. We want to see how you can drive educational excellence and make a real difference in students' lives.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and achievements that align with the role of Principal. We’re looking for someone who has a proven track record in school improvement, so don’t hold back on showcasing your successes!
Be Authentic:We value authenticity, so be yourself in your application. Share your leadership style and how you engage with staff, students, and the community. This helps us understand how you fit into our culture at Harris Academy Beckenham.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our mission.
How to prepare for a job interview at Harris Federation
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, take some time to articulate your vision for the academy. Think about how you can transform lives and drive educational excellence. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've done this in the past or how you plan to implement it at Harris Academy Beckenham.
✨Engage with the Community
Demonstrate your understanding of the local community and its diverse needs. Prepare to discuss how you would foster strong relationships with parents and engage with local stakeholders. This shows that you value collaboration and are committed to social mobility.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Style
Be clear about your leadership style and how it aligns with the values of Harris Academy Beckenham. Share examples of how you've led teams effectively, promoted high standards, and created a positive ethos in previous roles. This will help the interviewers see you as a fitting leader for their academy.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you overcame them. This will showcase your experience and readiness for the responsibilities of a Principal.
