At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a Year 6 class while driving the academy's strategic vision and culture.
- Company: Join a successful multi-academy trust with a supportive and passionate team.
- Benefits: Leadership scale salary, teacher pension scheme, and access to a free virtual GP service.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career growth within a thriving educational environment.
- Why this job: Be part of an exceptional team making a real impact on students' education.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in primary education and strong interpersonal skills.
The predicted salary is between 47185 - 131056 € per year.
We are now recruiting for the role of Assistant Principal for Leigh Academy Oaks, a truly rare leadership opportunity within a very successful and financially sound, mature and geographically local multi-academy trust that combines management freedom for effective leaders with secure central support that encourages collaboration for success. This role is based within our thriving primary academy and includes a Year 6 teaching responsibility within Key Stage 2.
The successful candidate will play a huge part in accelerating the continued development of the academy as an outstanding provider of education, maintaining and building further on the already exceptional quality of education as recognised by the recent Ofsted inspection. We expect the Assistant Principal to support the further development of a positive culture and ethos where every child is expected to do well and their progress is supported every step of the way.
Our successful candidate will be a talented and highly motivated leader with drive and commitment to excellence, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders. You will be joining a supportive, committed and passionate team who work hard to ensure that all pupils achieve their full potential. We are incredibly proud that Leigh Academy Oaks has recently received an exceptional Ofsted outcome, being awarded six exceptional grades. This is an exciting time to join the academy and become part of our exceptional team.
We are looking for an experienced professional who can demonstrate strategic leadership and excellent management, alongside a proven track record of success in raising standards, preferably within a primary setting. You will be expected to play a key role in developing the strategic vision for Leigh Academy Oaks even further, whilst ensuring that our pupils develop their potential, achieve academic excellence and embody our core values.
The successful applicant will be a key member of the senior leadership team, with a specific area of whole academy responsibility that will both develop and complement your existing skills and interests. The successful candidate will work closely with the Principal and wider leadership team and will contribute significantly to the continued success and development of the academy.
In addition to leadership responsibilities, this is a teaching role and the successful candidate will lead a Year 6 class, modelling exceptional classroom practice and supporting pupils through the final stage of their primary education journey. This post provides an outstanding career opportunity to be part of driving our academy forward and to play a critical role in the next phase of the academy’s development.
We wish to hear from you if you are committed to changing our education world and are:
- an enthusiastic, energetic and ambitious school leader with a track record of success at primary level;
- a motivational and inspirational leader with high expectations of staff and pupils;
- confident and able to communicate a clear vision for the academy;
- able to develop children to reach their full potential regardless of background or circumstance;
- approachable and keen to work with staff across the Trust to ensure wide success;
- able to establish and develop excellent relationships with the community and other stakeholders.
To support your application, we recommend viewing the Job Pack, which outlines the full role responsibilities and person specification. This will guide you in preparing a strong application and understanding what we’re looking for.
Applying for this Opportunity: Naturally, we are seeking to appoint the best possible candidate and therefore the application process will reflect our desire to undertake all necessary measures to achieve this. On the basis that interested candidates may be keen to visit the academy before making a formal application, you can arrange this by contacting Jessica Osbourne (Office Manager) – jessica.osborne@oaks.latrust.org.uk. Visits will be offered and will be hosted by a member of the Senior Leadership Team. Please ensure you offer Jessica a range of dates when you are available in your initial email to ensure we can coordinate a visit that works for both you and the academy.
Candidates wishing to have an initial conversation with the SLT about this role can also arrange for a telephone call. Those wishing to do so should also contact Jessica Osbourne (as above) in the first instance.
Closing date: Monday 18th May 2026 (3pm)
Shortlisting date: Tuesday 19th May 2026
Interview date: Wednesday 20th May 2026
If you have any queries on any aspect of the application process or need additional information, please contact Amy Wenban (LAT Recruitment Team) on 01634 412 205 or amy.wenban@latrust.org.uk.
Our Commitment to Safeguarding, Equality
Assistant Principal in Kent employer: LeighAcademiesTrust
Leigh Academy Oaks is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture, providing its staff with the opportunity to make a significant impact on students' lives. With a strong commitment to professional development, competitive benefits including a Teacher Pension Scheme, and access to a free virtual GP service, this role offers a unique chance to be part of a thriving primary academy recognised for its outstanding educational standards. Join a passionate team dedicated to excellence and help shape the future of education in a nurturing environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Principal in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the academy before applying! Reach out to Jessica Osbourne to arrange a visit or a chat with the Senior Leadership Team. This shows your genuine interest and helps you understand the culture better.
✨Tip Number 2
When you get that interview, be ready to showcase your leadership style! Think about specific examples where you've made a difference in a primary setting. We want to hear how you can inspire both staff and pupils.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just talk about your achievements; connect them to the academy’s vision. Show us how your experience aligns with our goals for academic excellence and community engagement. Make it personal!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity can leave a lasting impression. It shows you're proactive and genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Principal in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Pack:Before you start writing your application, make sure to check out the Job Pack. It’s packed with all the details about the role and what we’re looking for, so it’ll help you tailor your application to stand out.
Show Your Passion:We want to see your enthusiasm for education and leadership! Make sure to highlight your commitment to helping every child reach their potential and how you plan to contribute to our positive culture at Leigh Academy Oaks.
Be Specific:When discussing your experience, be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the role. Use examples that demonstrate your strategic leadership and ability to raise standards in a primary setting.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered in the selection process.
How to prepare for a job interview at LeighAcademiesTrust
✨Know Your Academy
Before the interview, take some time to research Leigh Academy Oaks. Understand its ethos, recent Ofsted outcomes, and the community it serves. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership philosophy and how it aligns with the academy's vision. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or initiatives in the past, especially in a primary setting, to demonstrate your capability and fit for the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would build relationships with staff, parents, and the wider community. Be ready to share strategies you've used to foster collaboration and communication, as this is crucial for the Assistant Principal role.
✨Prepare for Teaching Scenarios
Since this role includes teaching Year 6, be ready to discuss your approach to classroom management and lesson planning. Prepare to share examples of how you've supported students' learning and development, particularly in their final stages of primary education.
