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- Tasks: Lead a vibrant academy, inspiring students and staff to achieve their best.
- Company: Lydiard Park Academy, part of The Park Academies Trust, committed to educational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, staff wellbeing support, and attractive pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people in a supportive community.
- Qualifications: Passion for education and leadership experience in a school environment.
- Other info: Join a growing Trust with a strong ethos and commitment to professional development.
The predicted salary is between 95000 - 108000 £ per year.
Start date: 1st September 2026
Salary range: Leadership Scale 26 - Leadership Scale 31 (£95,735 to £108,202)
Hours: Full time
Contract type: Permanent position
Closing date: 11th February 2026 (midday)
Interview dates: 26th and 27th February 2026
Hosted visits to the school are warmly welcomed by appointment, where you can tour the school and talk to the pupils and staff about life at Lydiard Park Academy. These will be held on:
- 27th January 16:00
- 29th January 14:00
- 5th February 12:30
Please contact HR at The Park Academies Trust to arrange a visit.
Lydiard Park Academy requires a motivated Principal who is passionate about making a difference, with the ability to lead a friendly and successful 11-18 school serving the community of Lydiard Park and the surrounding area. We have a strong ethos and proud tradition of academic excellence, and provide a safe, well-disciplined and vibrant learning environment where young people are happy.
We are offering an exciting opportunity to develop your career by joining a Trust which truly values its staff and provides a highly supportive environment. You will play a key role in the leadership, growth and aspirations of our academy. You will create a working environment within which colleagues are motivated and empowered to support all children to aspire, achieve and grow.
Lydiard Park Academy is a successful and popular school providing education for over 1300 students in the West of Swindon. Having been judged as ‘Good’ consistently with Ofsted judgements across multiple inspections in all categories, it continues to build on a culture of high expectation and success for all students. At the centre of everything we do, Lydiard Park Academy provides a safe, vibrant, and aspirational environment where staff and young people alike can flourish, making a meaningful impact on the community it proudly serves.
We encourage all staff to be committed to their professional development, supported through our programme of professional learning that supports everyone to develop their practice and leadership skills. As a school in The Park Academies Trust, we aim to be a centre of educational excellence that inspires all pupils to turn their potential into performance.
Located in Swindon, near the natural beauty of the Wiltshire Downs and the Cotswolds, we are also within easy reach of the university towns of Bath, Bristol and Oxford and just under an hour by train from London. Our ideal location means that our students benefit from a wide range of curriculum-enhancing opportunities.
The Park Academies Trust was formed in 2016 with the vision to make a significant contribution to improving education in Swindon and surrounds. A family of eight schools; Abbey Park School, The Deanery CE Academy, Highworth Warneford School, Bridlewood Primary School, Kingfisher CE Academy, Orchid Vale Primary School, and Red Oaks Primary School; the Trust offers a high quality all through education provision from nursery right up to our Sixth Form at Lydiard Park Academy, enabling staff and pupils alike to benefit from being part of a thriving multi-phase educational Trust. Our aim is to offer all pupils a broad and inspirational curriculum while fulfilling individual learning needs.
The positive and caring ethos at all our schools is combined with a clear mission to deliver the richest possible education experience which enables young people to leave our care as responsible citizens equipped to fulfil their personal goals and career aspirations.
What we offer:
- A positive and dynamic environment in a Trust which is growing in both size and success
- A strong pupil ethos centred on mutual respect and fulfilling potential
- Competitive salary
- A variety of career progression opportunities within the Trust, including our own bespoke leadership programme
- Support from dedicated and experienced colleagues across the Trust
- Staff benefits package, including salary sacrifice affordable technology, cycle to work scheme, shopping and holiday discounts
- Staff wellbeing: access to On Line Doctor, discounted gym membership, Employee Assistance Programme
- Attractive pension scheme
The Park Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All job offers are subject to satisfactory reference and enhanced DBS checks. In line with statutory guidance in 'Keeping Children Safe in Education', we will carry out an online search as part of our due-diligence on short-listed candidates.
Academy Principal at Lydiard Park Academy in Swindon employer: Lydiard Park Academy
Contact Detail:
Lydiard Park Academy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Academy Principal at Lydiard Park Academy in Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Lydiard Park Academy inside out! Before your interview, take the time to visit the school and chat with staff and students. This will not only give you a feel for the environment but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask during your interview. This shows that you're engaged and serious about the position. Think about what makes Lydiard Park Academy unique and how you can contribute to its success.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former staff members if you can. They can provide insider insights into the school's culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach during the interview.
✨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, it keeps everything organised on our end, making the process smoother for everyone involved.
We think you need these skills to ace Academy Principal at Lydiard Park Academy in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for education and leadership shine through. We want to see how you can make a difference at Lydiard Park Academy, so share your vision and enthusiasm for creating a vibrant learning environment.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Academy Principal. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with our ethos and the needs of our community. We love seeing candidates who understand what we’re all about!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences.
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 keen on joining our team at The Park Academies Trust. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lydiard Park Academy
✨Know the Academy Inside Out
Before your interview, take the time to research Lydiard Park Academy thoroughly. Understand its ethos, values, and recent achievements. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare Your Vision for Leadership
As a potential Principal, you should have a clear vision for the academy's future. Think about how you can contribute to its growth and success. Be ready to discuss your ideas on fostering a positive learning environment and empowering staff and students alike.
✨Engage with the Community
Lydiard Park Academy serves a vibrant community, so be prepared to talk about how you would engage with parents and local organisations. Share any past experiences where you've successfully built relationships that benefited the school community.
✨Showcase Your Commitment to Professional Development
Highlight your dedication to continuous learning and development, both for yourself and your staff. Discuss any relevant training or leadership programmes you've undertaken and how you plan to support your team’s professional growth at the academy.
