At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a special school, ensuring student success and staff development.
- Company: Nightingale Community Academy, a supportive environment for students with SEMH needs.
- Benefits: Pathways for progression, pension schemes, employee wellbeing support, and discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Degree qualified, teaching certification, and impactful leadership experience required.
- Other info: Encouragement for school visits and open communication about the role.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Nightingale Community Academy is a special school in Wandsworth, providing education for boys aged 5 to 19 with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs. The primary pupils benefit from a purpose‑built classroom hub, an outdoor adventure playground, weekly music lessons, and a comprehensive therapy service. Secondary and post‑16 students have access to a broad curriculum, including vocational courses such as motor vehicle studies, construction, horticulture, and hospitality. All pupils also enjoy regular animal therapy sessions at Tom’s Farm, located on our expansive school grounds.
Responsibilities
- Lead and Inspire: Drive the school's vision and culture, providing strategic leadership, managing resources effectively, and ensuring a safe, ambitious, and supportive environment for all.
- Champion Student Success: Ensure every young person receives high‑quality education, personalised support, and access to multi‑agency services to help them thrive.
- Develop Staff Excellence: Inspire and develop staff through appraisal, professional development, and targeted training, building a strong, motivated, and skilled team.
- Engage the Community: Foster meaningful partnerships with families, governors, local authorities, and the wider community, promoting inclusion, collaboration, and shared success.
- Ensure Compliance and Accountability: Oversee safeguarding, SEND, health and safety, and statutory responsibilities, representing the school with integrity and maintaining the highest standards of governance.
Qualifications
- Qualified to degree level and above
- Qualified to teach in the UK
- Recent and relevant professional development
- Experience of effective and impactful leadership in an educational setting
- Excellent understanding of current developments and best practice in teaching and learning, particularly as it relates to achieving high rates of progress for SEN students
Benefits
- Pathways for progression within the trust, ensuring you can grow and thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Pension Scheme – you will be enrolled in either the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) or the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (TPS), both offering life cover and financial protection for your family.
- Salary Sacrifice Schemes (Cycle Scheme and Home Electronics Scheme)
- Employee Wellbeing – We support employee wellbeing with access to counselling, mental health support, generous leave, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave including Employee Assistance Programme, MyGym Discounts, Corporate Eyecare Scheme.
- Employee Discounts (Blue Light Card, Costco Membership, Discounts for Teachers, and more)
- Other (Season Ticket Loan and Employee Referral Scheme)
How to Apply
Visits to the School in advance of applications are encouraged. Your application form will be scored according to each of the requirements laid out in the person specification for this role. Please demonstrate in your statement how your experience, skills and knowledge match the criteria that are required for the role. If you wish to discuss this opportunity before or after submitting an application form, please get in touch with the School directly.
Principal in City of London employer: Nightingale Community Academy
Contact Detail:
Nightingale Community Academy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school before applying! Visit Nightingale Community Academy, chat with staff and students, and soak up the vibe. This will not only help you tailor your application but also show your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or at local education events. They can provide insider info about the school culture and what they’re really looking for in a Principal.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking about how you can drive the school's vision and culture. Have specific examples ready that showcase your leadership skills and how you've championed student success in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and serious about joining our team at Nightingale Community Academy.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for education and supporting students with SEMH needs shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Statement: Make sure to align your experience and skills with the specific requirements mentioned in the job description. We’re looking for clear examples that demonstrate how you meet each criterion, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that are easy to read, so avoid jargon and focus on what really matters.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can get back to you as soon as possible.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nightingale Community Academy
✨Know the School's Vision
Before your interview, take some time to understand Nightingale Community Academy's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their approach to supporting students with SEMH needs. This will help you align your answers with their vision and demonstrate your commitment to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership experiences in detail. Think of specific examples where you've inspired staff or improved student outcomes. Highlight how you’ve developed a positive school culture and engaged with the community, as these are key aspects of the Principal role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Practice responding to situations related to safeguarding, compliance, and staff development. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Engage with the Interview Panel
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's future plans, community engagement, and support for staff development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.