At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a diverse school community towards educational excellence.
- Company: Join Eastern Multi Academy Trust, a values-driven organisation focused on transformation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous pension schemes, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working options and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a thriving school with ambitious goals and community trust.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience and a passion for educational improvement.
The predicted salary is between 95000 - 130000 € per year.
Address: Kings Lynn, Norfolk PE30 4QG
Salary: £95,000 - £130,000 per annum
Hours: 32.5 hours per week
Contract: Permanent, required as soon as possible
Reference: 8969
Our Story
King's Lynn Academy (KLA) stands at an exciting inflection point. Following the retirement of our long-serving and transformational Principal, Eastern Multi Academy Trust (EMAT) 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. This is a story of community trust rebuilt, standards raised, and ambition restored.
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 act 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.
For more information
To find out more about the school, please visit our website. Please contact Alpha Parish, Executive Search Consultant to arrange a visit, request a candidate information pack or to arrange an informal discussion by either calling 01223 907979 or emailing aparish@academicis.co.uk.
How to apply
Please complete your application by visiting EMAT’s recruitment website. We’d also love to hear about your teaching philosophy, what you can bring to the role, and your aspirations for the future.
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 Jobs Direct
At King's Lynn Academy, we pride ourselves on being a supportive and innovative educational environment that prioritises the growth and wellbeing of both staff and students. As part of the Eastern Multi Academy Trust, you will benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities, a strong commitment to inclusion and diversity, and a collaborative culture that values your input. Join us in our mission to transform lives and communities while enjoying generous pension schemes and family-friendly policies in the heart of King's Lynn.
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 get the inside scoop on what they're looking for in a Principal. A personal connection can make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion during interviews! Be ready to share your vision for the school and how you plan to inspire both staff and students. Remember, they want someone who can lead with heart and strategy.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for scenario-based questions. Think about challenges you've faced in leadership roles and how you overcame them. This will showcase your problem-solving skills and readiness for the role.
✨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 the EMAT family.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for education and leadership shine through. We want to see how your vision aligns with our mission at King's Lynn Academy and EMAT.
Be Specific:Use concrete examples from your experience to illustrate your skills and achievements. We love hearing about your past successes and how they can translate into future excellence at KLA.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Principal role. Highlight how your leadership style and educational philosophy fit with our values and goals.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via EMAT’s recruitment website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk Jobs Direct
✨Know Your Vision
As a Principal, you need to articulate your vision for the school clearly. Think about how you can build on KLA's journey of improvement and what strategies you would implement to achieve outstanding outcomes. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've inspired staff and students in the past.
✨Understand the Community
KLA is at the heart of the King's Lynn community, so show that you understand its unique needs. Research the local demographics and think about how you can engage with parents and community members. Bring ideas on how to strengthen those ties and enhance the school's role within the community.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare to showcase your leadership style and how it aligns with EMAT's values. Think of examples where you've successfully led teams through change or improvement. Highlight your relational skills and how you plan to inspire both staff and pupils to achieve their best.
✨Be Ready for Questions on SEND and Wellbeing
Given KLA's commitment to SEND provision and pupil mental health, be prepared to discuss your approach to these areas. Have specific strategies in mind for supporting diverse learners and promoting wellbeing among staff and students. This will show that you are aligned with the school's priorities.
