Vice Principal (Pastoral)

Full Time, Permanent

Start Date: January 2027

This role will be based at Thetford Academy, Croxton Road, Thetford, IP24 1LH.

Thetford Academy is looking for an exceptional leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as Vice Principal (Pastoral). The successful candidate will be passionate about our vision of ensuring our children will be resilient and independent. They will be valued individuals who are confident to express themselves creatively and be provided with a wealth of experiences outside of a typical classroom to ensure they are happy and engaged.

The successful candidate will be familiar with how to run a highly successful school, and capable of both setting strategy and implementing effectively. You will also be passionate about our vision of creating a truly academic school and embrace our school ethos of genuine mutual respect. This is a unique opportunity for the right candidate to join a school with great outcomes that aspires to transform educational standards locally and nationally.

What You’ll Be Doing

• To be the lead officer for Safeguarding at the Academy (Designated Safeguarding Lead)
• To implement all safeguarding elements of all relevant Academy / Trust policies.
• To be the lead for equality, diversity and inclusion; ensuring all elements are fully embedded in all activities and policies across the school.
• To work closely with the Senior Leadership Team to effectively deliver and manage good quality pastoral support programmes that develop excellent social and communication skills and support raising achievement.
• To lead key strategic teams in understanding and developing high quality behaviour.
• To ensure the Academy meets the needs of all pupils, including those with SEND.
• To ensure that the Academy Quality Assurance procedures are undertaken rigorously.
• To undertake line management as directed by the Principal

About You

An outstanding Vice Principal for pastoral is a visionary leader with strong leadership, resilience, and a commitment to raising achievements. You must exhibit strategic thinking to design, implement, and assess the educational framework of the academy. You will drive student outcomes by combining strategic foresight, strong data literacy, and the ability to empower teaching staff.

You will also be a highly effective coach and mentor, inspiring teachers to refine their practice through constructive feedback, professional development, and collaborative learning.

Above all, you must be passionate about education, relentlessly focused on improving outcomes for every pupil and empowering teachers to deliver exceptional learning experiences.

• An appropriate degree and Qualified Teacher Status.
• Experience of senior leadership in schools as an Assistant Principal or similarly senior member of staff.
• Experience of strategic planning in educational settings and the implementation of plans in an effective and efficient manner.
• Experience of participating in external school evaluation, such as through inspection or reviews.
• Successful involvement in performance management, self-evaluation process and data analysis as an aid in personal and team improvement, development and change.
• Successful experience in leading and managing pedagogic changes at a team, and preferably whole school level.
• Proven practice in leading, motivating and supporting staff to achieve high standards.
• The National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership (NPQSL) or Headship (NPQH).
• Worked as a Senior Leader where leadership and management have been judged as outstanding by Ofsted
• Management experience in more than one school

Why Join Inspiration Trust

At Inspiration Trust, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. You’ll be joining a supportive, forward-thinking organisation that values professional development, collaboration, and innovation. We provide opportunities for growth and empower you to make a real impact in schools across Norfolk and north Suffolk. As part of our thriving network of talented teachers, leaders, and support staff, you’ll receive a varied professional development programme designed to help you be the best you can be.

We offer:

• Generous annual leave, and access to the Teachers' Pension Schemes (TPS) with excellent employer contributions
• Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 virtual GP access, mental health support and claim-back options for healthcare costs *
• Cycle-to-work scheme, retail and theatre discounts (including discounted shopping vouchers, dentist and gym memberships), and salary sacrifice options (including home technology). *
• Free parking at most sites
• Personalised CPD and development programmes
• A structured and specific induction programme.

* Terms and conditions apply. Some benefits are only available following successfully passing probation.

About Us

Thetford Academy is a remarkable place to work and sits at the academic and cultural heart of its community. Our pupils follow a curriculum designed to prepare them for future challenges while fostering a deep appreciation and understanding of the world. They are supported in developing strong values and habits that empower them to make meaningful contributions to their community and beyond.

Joining Thetford Academy means becoming part of a committed, supportive, and ambitious team. Staff benefit from excellent professional development opportunities, collaborative networks, and the chance to make a real difference in the lives of young people. If you are passionate about education and inspiring students to achieve their full potential, this is the place to grow your career.

We are part of the Inspiration Trust, twice ranked as the country’s top family of comprehensive schools for pupil progress, and strongly believe in the importance of giving the widest educational opportunities to all young people, regardless of their background. We have strong networks across the Trust, with opportunities to work with a diverse range of schools and partners. We are committed to offering excellent professional and learning opportunities for our staff, with a busy programme of continuing professional development courses delivered by some of the country’s best educational thinkers and practitioners.

The Inspiration Trust is a Multi Academy Trust, committed to delivering the very best educational experience for the young people of Norfolk and Suffolk, across 17 schools. We are ambitious for our schools and communities and want to create Britain’s highest performing federation of 3-19 schools and transform education in the East. Inspiration Trust specialises in transforming schools in disadvantaged areas and taking academies from failing to outstanding.

For information on what it is like to live and work in Thetford, click here . In its 2025 inspection, Ofsted confirmed that The Thetford Academy has continued to provide a high-quality education, with excellent behaviour, a well-sequenced curriculum and impressive personal development opportunities. Pupils are proud to attend the school, feel safe, and benefit from committed staff and strong leadership.

Closing date for applications: 12noon on Wednesday 30th September 2026

Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities

Inspiration Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All staff appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks. We are an equal opportunities employer.

For further information about this vacancy please contact us using Ref: SEP20261503.