Head of Academy

Salary Based On Experience + Performance and Loyalty Bonus + Pension Scheme (TPS) + Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan + Additional Harris Benefits

About Us

Harris Primary Academy South Kenton (HPASK) is a five-form entry school situated in South Kenton, which is part of the London Borough of Brent. HPASK is an inclusive academy and we want every one of our children, from Early years to Year 6, to have a truly happy experience at school.

We strive to ensure that every pupil feels valued and safe. The children’s achievements are celebrated every day in their lessons and we are proud that they are kind, caring, self-assured and eager to learn. We believe that through expert teaching and support all children can achieve to a high standard. Ultimately, our aim is to make sure that our pupils leave us feeling that they have succeeded both academically and in the extracurricular aspects of school life. We want our pupils to be thoroughly prepared for the opportunities that secondary school will offer them.

HPASK is very much a community school. We know that a close partnership with parents is vital if children are to learn and grow as individuals. We therefore do all we can to keep parents informed and involved in all aspects of school life. HPASK joined the Harris Federation in September 2024, so you will be joining our team at a really exciting time as we establish ourselves in our local community. If you would like to find out more about our school please do come and visit us and talk to as many children and staff as you can. We are very much looking forward to meeting you.

Main Areas of Responsibility

As Head of Academy, you will work under the direction of the Principal to provide professional leadership to help ensure success by securing outstanding overall effectiveness.

Leading on continuous improvements in teaching, learning and assessment practice, you will be responsible for creating a productive, disciplined learning environment and for the day-to-day management and organisation of the academy.

You will deputise for the Principal on all occasions – as appropriate. You should also secure the commitment of the wider community by developing and maintaining effective networks with, for example, other academies/ schools, other institutions, employers, careers services and with the Harris Federation.

Qualifications & Experience

You will have a very strong record of school improvement, ideally including significant experience in inner-city, multi-racial and urban areas. You will be an outstanding communicator, with proven strengths in engaging with, inspiring and motivating, not just the school community but also the wider community. You will have experience across the full primary age range.

Your understanding of school improvement strategies will be matched by your ability to manage change and to motivate staff and the community towards the achievement of clear and inspirational goals. Above all, you will possess a relentless drive to raise standards and secure outstanding teaching at the academy for all of our children.

We would like to hear from you if you have:

1. Qualified Teacher Status, Degree, Further relevant professional studies.
2. Experience as a Senior Leader in a Primary school, including experience deputising for the Head / Principal.
3. Successful leadership in assessment and/or curriculum development and in monitoring and evaluation strategies.
4. Proven track record of raising attainment in an urban, multi-ethnic environment.
5. Experience as a designated child protection officer.
6. Experience as a performance appraiser for staff.
7. Experience of teaching or leading Early Years and/or KS1 and/or KS2.
8. Very good understanding of inclusion and related policy and practices.
9. Leadership in staff development.
10. Leadership role in a school/academy to secure outstanding overall provision.
11. Thorough knowledge and understanding of current curriculum developments and how pupils learn.
12. Understanding of principles and demonstrable application of school improvement and school effectiveness.
13. Demonstrable ability to plan strategically and to lead, motivate, develop and inspire staff and to manage change.
14. Demonstrable commitment to equality of opportunity and inclusive education.
15. Understanding the challenges of a multi-ethnic community in the context of a primary academy.
16. Knowledge and understanding of principles and practices of performance management for all staff within an academy setting.
17. High level ability to analyse and interpret pupil performance data and set challenging but realistic targets for pupils and cohorts.
18. Ability to ensure an ethos and structure for sound discipline which enables all pupils to achieve.
19. Leading on action planning evaluation and development of middle leaders.
20. Ability to work effectively as part of the academy team and with governors, pupils and parents.
21. Ability to work effectively with members of the local community in developing the academy as a community resource.
22. Knowledge and understanding of the current Early Years curriculum.
23. Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of equality issues and legislation.
24. Able to integrate quality policies into service delivery and employment practices.
25. Ability to work under pressure and be resilient in the face of challenge.
26. Ability to prioritise.

Professional Development & Benefits

If you would like to discuss the opportunity further, or if you have any questions, please contact us via email to arrange a conversation.

Before applying please ensure you download the job pack from our careers website, this will help with completing your application. Please note that we only accept applications submitted online before the closing date.

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