Assistant Principal in Maidstone

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 to maintaining and building further on the already exceptional quality of education as recognised by the recent Ofsted inspection. We will 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.

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 & Diversity: Leigh Academies Trust and all of our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair, robust and consistent recruitment process across all academies and business units which is inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check. As a Trust, we are passionate about diversity and recognise that as individuals, we all bring something unique to the role regardless of any protected characteristics which is why we treat all of our people equally, without compromise. We are committed to providing equality and fairness throughout our recruitment and employment practices and not discriminating on any grounds.