At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a diverse school community towards educational excellence.
- Company: Join Eastern Multi Academy Trust, a values-driven organisation committed to transforming lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous pension schemes, and comprehensive professional development.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a thriving school with ambitious goals and community focus.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in education and a passion for student success.
The predicted salary is between 95000 - 130000 € per year.
Kings Lynn Academy is seeking an inspirational and ambitious leader to build on an extraordinary journey of improvement and take the school to the next level of excellence. KLA was placed in special measures in 2016. By joining EMAT and through courageous, collaborative leadership, the school earned a 'Good' judgement from Ofsted and has since become the most oversubscribed secondary school in Norfolk, growing from approximately 600 to nearly 1,000 pupils.
We now seek a Principal who is ready to sustain and accelerate that momentum: an educational leader with the vision to achieve outstanding outcomes, the relational skills to inspire staff, pupils and community alike, and the strategic acumen to manage a school now entering an exciting phase of physical expansion from 6 to 8 forms of entry.
The Role
As Principal of King's Lynn Academy, you will provide outstanding educational and operational leadership, working closely with the EMAT CEO and central team to sustain and deepen the school's improvement journey. You will be accountable for the quality of education, the wellbeing of every pupil and staff member, and the school's position at the heart of the King's Lynn community.
About King’s Lynn Academy
Situated on Queen Mary Road in the heart of King's Lynn, KLA serves a diverse and proud community in West Norfolk. Our 978 pupils – across Years 7 to 11, benefit from an ambitious, knowledge-rich curriculum, a strong culture of personal development, and a staff team deeply committed to the belief that every child deserves excellence.
- Ofsted-rated Good, with strong leadership and management and personal development
- Most oversubscribed secondary school in Norfolk – heavily oversubscribed across most year groups
- Approved expansion from 6FE to 8FE, adding 300 pupil places from 2025 onwards
- An ambitious EBacc-aligned curriculum with a two-year KS4 model and a focus on retention and recall
- A whole-school Personal Development Plan entitlement, at least three face‑to‑face developmental meetings per pupil per year
- Strong commitment to SEND provision, pupil mental health and therapeutic support
- Award of Duke of Edinburgh, enriched extra‑curricular programme and strong community links
- Investment in staff professional development through a comprehensive EMAT CPD offer and ECT/ECF provision
About Eastern Multi Academy Trust
EMAT is a growing, values-driven Trust of 12 primary and secondary academies across West Norfolk, Breckland and Brandon (Suffolk). Founded in 2017, our Trust mission rests on four pillars: Empower, Motivate, Achieve, Transform. Our vision is captured in our motto: Transforming Lives, Transforming Communities. We believe schools must be at the heart of the communities they serve, and our track record demonstrates this, every school that has joined our Trust has improved its Ofsted outcome. KLA is our flagship secondary and central to our Trust’s identity and long‑term strategy.
EMAT's strategic priorities include:
- Raising attainment and accelerating progress, particularly for disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND
- Strengthening curriculum quality and consistency across all phases
- Developing exceptional leaders at all levels, investing in a structured CPD and Expert Practitioners framework
- Embedding safeguarding, mental health and personal development as cornerstones of school culture
- Sustainable growth, managing estate investment and expansion with financial discipline
- Environmental responsibility through a published environmental strategy
Why Join Us?
At EMAT, you’ll be part of a supportive, forward‑thinking Trust that invests in its people and we offer all employees:
- A leadership team who listens and acts on feedback.
- High‑quality CPD and clear career development pathways.
- A highly trained team to support learning.
- Wellbeing support, including access to employee assistance programmes.
- Family‑friendly policies and flexible working opportunities.
- Being part of a Trust that values inclusion, diversity, and collaboration.
- Peace of mind with some of the most generous pension schemes in the job market.
Closing date: 11.55pm, 14 June 2026. Interview date: 22 June 2026.
Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities
Eastern Multi‑Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all colleagues to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to appropriate safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check (with Children’s Barred List where applicable), satisfactory references and medical clearance. We are proud to be an inclusive employer, committed to equity, representation and belonging. We value the diversity of our workforce and believe that different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives strengthen our schools and enrich our communities. We actively welcome applications from suitably qualified individuals of all backgrounds, including those from under‑represented groups, and from candidates who are neurodiverse. If you require any adjustments to support you through the application or interview process, please let us know, we are committed to making reasonable adjustments so that everyone can perform at their best. We also welcome applications for part‑time, flexible and job‑share working, where this can be accommodated within the role.
Principal employer: Suffolk County Council
King's Lynn Academy, part of the Eastern Multi Academy Trust, is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and wellbeing of its staff while fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture. With a strong commitment to professional development, generous pension schemes, and family-friendly policies, KLA offers a supportive environment for educational leaders to thrive and make a meaningful impact in the community. Join us in our mission to transform lives and communities through education, as we continue to build on our success and expand our reach.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at King's Lynn Academy 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 KLA's recent achievements and challenges. Show us that you’re not just familiar with the school’s journey but also have a vision for its future!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear about times you've inspired teams or tackled tough situations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can keep you top of mind and show us that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal
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 excited you are about the opportunity to lead King's Lynn Academy and make a difference in the community.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific needs and values of King's Lynn Academy. Highlight your experience with improving educational outcomes and how you can contribute to our mission of transforming lives and communities.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the key responsibilities and requirements outlined in the job description. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you the right fit for us.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting role at King's Lynn Academy. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk County Council
✨Know Your Story
Before stepping into the interview, make sure you can articulate your journey as an educational leader. Highlight your achievements, especially those that align with the values of King's Lynn Academy and EMAT. Be ready to discuss how you've inspired change and improved outcomes in previous roles.
✨Engage with the Community
Since KLA is deeply rooted in its community, demonstrate your understanding of its unique needs. Prepare examples of how you've engaged with parents, staff, and local organisations in the past. Show that you’re not just a leader but a community builder who values collaboration.
✨Vision for the Future
Think about the future of KLA and how you can contribute to its growth. Be prepared to share your vision for the school, especially regarding the planned expansion from 6 to 8 forms of entry. Discuss strategies for maintaining high standards while accommodating more pupils.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Reflect on your leadership style and how it aligns with the ethos of EMAT. Be ready to discuss how you motivate and develop staff, support pupil wellbeing, and foster an inclusive environment. Use specific examples to illustrate your approach to leading teams and driving improvement.
