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- Tasks: Lead Cowes Enterprise College to inspire and empower students for their future.
- Company: Join Ormiston Academies Trust, dedicated to transforming education for every child.
- Benefits: Enjoy 42 days of annual leave, private health insurance, and flexible working arrangements.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on young lives and shape the future of education.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience as a Principal or Deputy Head required.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community with excellent professional development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Work where it matters most, achieve what matters more. Be part of a team where passion meets purpose, as we work together where the challenge is greatest to change the lives and build the futures of children and young people.
This is an opportunity for an ambitious and inspirational Principal to lead Cowes Enterprise College into its next chapter of success starting in September 2026. As Principal, you will play a pivotal role in creating an exceptional educational environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive. Your leadership will ensure that the academy is not only a great place for students to learn but also a rewarding and fulfilling workplace for staff. You will be the driving force behind the academy’s success—an architect of its future.
This is a position of influence, where you will shape culture, raise aspirations, and make a lasting impact. Beyond your school, your vision will contribute to the wider success of the Trust and its reputation within the sector. We value your expertise, experience, and passion to inspire excellence and deliver success for every student and every member of staff. This is more than a job — it’s a chance to make a lasting impact on young lives and the future of education.
We are looking for an experienced leader who shares our vision and is fully committed to excellence in all aspects of curriculum, teaching and learning and pastoral care for the benefit of all our students and their families. You will have a significant and credible track record as a Principal or Deputy Head. You will be aligned with the purpose, ethos and values of the Trust and have the maturity to lead a team, whilst collaborating with other teams to get things done.
Ultimately, you will share our belief in the power of education to change lives for young people, and have the intellectual, interpersonal and operational capabilities required every day to improve education at a local level within a national organisation.
Cowes Enterprise College, An Ormiston Academy is based in Cowes on the Isle of Wight. The school is an 11-19 co-educational academy with 1,164 students, including 185 students in the sixth form. This is a time of great innovation and forward thinking at Cowes Enterprise College. We aim to ‘educate for life’ here and students have an appetite for success, parents are supportive and proud of our work, and staff are committed to unleashing potential.
Our broad, balanced and aspirational curriculum, combined with strong pastoral care means that we can support our students to become successful and responsible 21st century citizens and life-long learners.
Our vision is to create a school system where every child thrives, regardless of background. Our people are at the heart of our approach – they are our greatest asset. We exist to provide the best learning opportunities every day, in every school for every child. It is the people and teams in our Trust who make this a reality and ensure we have the greatest impact. If you join us at Ormiston, whatever your role, your work will have purpose and meaning.
When you join us at Ormiston, you can expect robust and holistic support from us to enable you to excel in your role. Our benefits package includes:
- 42 days annual leave plus statutory holidays
- Membership of TPS
- Private health insurance
- Access to health and well-being programmes, including counselling services.
- Discounts on retail, travel, and leisure through our benefits platform.
- Free and confidential legal, tax and health 24/7 helpline
- Cycle to work scheme
- Automatic pay progression
- Flexible working arrangements
- And much more as part of a leading multi-academy trust. Relocation assistance may be available to support the successful candidate.
If you are passionate about making a difference and are ready to lead in a challenging yet rewarding environment, we would love to hear from you.
The closing date for applications is 9am on Monday 2 March 2026, with interviews being held on Tuesday 10 and Wednesday 11 March 2026 at Cowes Enterprise College, An Ormiston Academy. More information about this post and the role of a Principal within Ormiston is available in the accompanying information pack.
Cowes Enterprise College, An Ormiston Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. Ormiston Academies Trust embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Flexible working opportunities will be considered.
All successful appointments will be subject to suitability checks in accordance with KCSIE, including identity, Right to Work, qualifications, online searches, prohibition check, two references and enhanced DBS check including Children’s Barred List.
PrincipalEDV/2026/CECAOA/66387 in Cowes employer: Ormiston Academies Trust
Contact Detail:
Ormiston Academies Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PrincipalEDV/2026/CECAOA/66387 in Cowes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Cowes Enterprise College and ask about their experiences. This insider info can give you a leg up in interviews and help you tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the school's ethos and values. Show us how your vision aligns with theirs, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their mission of changing lives through education.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers. Focus on articulating your leadership style and how it can foster a thriving educational environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace PrincipalEDV/2026/CECAOA/66387 in Cowes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for education shine through! We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the lives of students and staff alike.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and ethos of Cowes Enterprise College. We’re looking for someone who aligns with our vision, so highlight your relevant experience and how it connects to our mission.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and experiences. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you the right fit!
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application! We might close the vacancy early if we find the right candidate, so get your application in through our website as soon as you can.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ormiston Academies Trust
✨Know Your Vision
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your vision for education and how it aligns with the ethos of Cowes Enterprise College. Be ready to articulate how you plan to inspire both students and staff, and how your leadership can shape a positive culture within the academy.
✨Showcase Your Track Record
Prepare specific examples from your previous roles that demonstrate your success as a Principal or Deputy Head. Highlight achievements in curriculum development, teaching excellence, and pastoral care that have made a tangible difference in students' lives.
✨Engage with the Community
Research Cowes Enterprise College and its community. Be prepared to discuss how you would engage with parents, local organisations, and other stakeholders to foster a supportive environment for students. Showing that you understand the local context will set you apart.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the school's future, the challenges it faces, and how you can contribute to its success. This not only shows your interest but also demonstrates your strategic thinking and commitment to the role.
