Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and support the Academy's vision, focusing on behaviour and safeguarding.
- Company: Join North Cambridge Academy, a vibrant school committed to outstanding education and pastoral care.
- Benefits: Enjoy perks like mental health support, CPD opportunities, and discounts on everyday essentials.
- Why this job: Be part of a nurturing environment that empowers students and fosters a positive school culture.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience with a passion for developing children and staff.
- Other info: Applications close on 23rd June 2025; apply early to secure your chance!
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 58000 £ per year.
We are looking for a dynamic and experienced leader who shares our vision and commitment to providing outstanding education and pastoral care for all our students. Our hardworking staff are approachable, caring, and committed to providing the very best for all our pupils by encouraging them to work hard, enjoy opportunities, and to achieve the very best – North Cambridge Academy is a happy school where pupils feel safe.
This new role within our Senior Leadership Team offers the opportunity to support the Principal with the leadership of the Academy and to deliver our vision of education through instilling our values in staff and pupils, as well as the local community. This is your opportunity to join us as a Vice Principal - Safeguarding and Pastoral, on our journey as we continue to grow and develop our fantastic team to provide a nurturing and hardworking environment for our curious learners.
We are looking for an ambitious and experienced Senior Leader to join our school, where we are passionate about sharing expertise, innovative practice and resources and have benefited greatly from being part of Meridian Trust.
The Opportunity
- To join motivated, committed and friendly staff in a popular trust with a dynamic community presence.
- To benefit from the support and guidance of an experienced Principal; plus the sharing of good practice with fellow SLT members within the Trust.
- To learn from the expertise of the wider trust network of advisors and access to informal and formal professional development.
- Create a culture where pupils experience a positive and enriching school life.
- Day to day running of roles and responsibilities within the Senior Leadership Team.
- Contribute to the overall leadership and management of the Academy and be active in promoting its aims and ethos.
The ideal candidate will have
- A track record of leading and developing with impact for children and staff.
- Demonstrate inspirational leadership taking into account agreed priorities and how these links with national and local initiatives.
- A passionate and uncompromising commitment to the further development of children and staff.
- People skills which enthuse and develop staff and communicate effectively with parents and the wider local community.
- Evidence of partnership working and wider impact.
- Integrity, warmth, and compassion – in all, a great role model for our children, staff, and the wider school community.
About North Cambridge Academy
Our school opened in 2013 and since 2015 has been categorised as ‘Good’ by Ofsted. We are located in Cambridge and we are a growing school at the heart of its diverse community. North Cambridge Academy values are to ensure that every child is Hardworking, Ambitious, Creative, Confident and Kind. The school’s purpose is to ensure every child is known, valued and supported to achieve in all areas at the highest level, to empower every child to become a successful and confident learner.
Our school holds the Learning Outside the Classroom Gold Award, Gold Schools Games Mark and the International School Award. Recently, North Cambridge Academy has become a Trauma-Informed School. The school’s pledges are at the heart of what makes North Cambridge Academy unique. Pupils at the school said that they feel safe, and they reported that they could talk to any member of staff if they had a concern.
About Meridian Trust
Meridian Trust is a values-led organisation formed in 2011 that has risen to be one of the highest-performing academy trusts in the country. The Trust is founded on its commitment to a high-quality educational provision for all at the heart of local communities. Meridian currently operates primary, secondary and special schools across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire.
Meridian Trust offers a wealth of fantastic benefits for teaching and support staff which are highlighted below but are not limited to:
- Apprenticeship and CPD opportunities which allow you to gain specialist knowledge in a role you are passionate about developing in.
- Opportunity to jump start your career in teaching through our dedicated Initial Teacher Training Team (ITT).
- Support for mental health and wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme and other resources.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Defined benefit local government or Teacher’s pension scheme.
- Healthcare benefits including free eye test vouchers and flu vaccinations.
- Free on-site parking.
- Discounts on a wide range of benefits from everyday essentials to holidays.
For more information about the role please download the Applicant Information Pack below. Closing date for applications: Monday 23rd June 2025. Interviews will be held shortly after the closing date of this advert. Meridian Trust reserves the right to close the applications early in the event that a suitable candidate is sourced. Applications will be reviewed as received so please apply early to avoid disappointment.
The Trust is committed to diversity and inclusion and equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. The 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 appointments will be subject to pre-employment checks, including an enhanced check with the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS), as well as online searches.
Vice Principal employer: Meridian Trust
Contact Detail:
Meridian Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Vice Principal
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with North Cambridge Academy's values and ethos. Understanding what makes the school unique will help you align your leadership style with their vision, demonstrating that you're a perfect fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former staff members at North Cambridge Academy or within Meridian Trust. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights into the school's culture and expectations, which you can leverage during your discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your leadership experience, particularly in behaviour management and safeguarding. Highlighting your past successes in these areas will showcase your capability to contribute positively to the school's environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your commitment to professional development by mentioning any relevant training or initiatives you've undertaken. This shows that you are proactive about improving your skills and staying updated on best practices in education and safeguarding.
We think you need these skills to ace Vice Principal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing your application, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Vice Principal position. Review the job description carefully and note key phrases that resonate with your experience.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant leadership experiences, particularly those related to behaviour management and safeguarding. Use specific examples that demonstrate your impact on student outcomes and staff development.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for education and your commitment to pastoral care. Address how your values align with those of North Cambridge Academy and Meridian Trust, and provide examples of how you've successfully led teams in similar environments.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread your documents. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your writing is clear and professional. Consider asking a colleague or mentor to review your application for feedback.
How to prepare for a job interview at Meridian Trust
✨Understand the School's Values
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand North Cambridge Academy's values: Hardworking, Ambitious, Creative, Confident, and Kind. Be prepared to discuss how you embody these values in your leadership style and how you can instil them in both staff and students.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Highlight your previous leadership roles and the impact you've had on both children and staff. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to inspire and develop others, as well as your commitment to safeguarding and pastoral care.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and approach to behaviour management. Think about past experiences where you've successfully handled challenging situations and be ready to share these stories.
✨Engage with the Community Focus
Since the role involves working closely with the local community, be prepared to discuss how you would foster partnerships and engage parents. Share any previous experiences where you've successfully collaborated with external stakeholders to enhance student outcomes.
