Head of Academy in London

Summary

We are looking to appoint a new Head of Academy for Harris Primary Academy Philip Lane starting at Easter 2024. If you are a highly motivated and experienced senior leader who can lead an Outstanding academy where both staff and pupils thrive, then we want to hear from you.

The position would suit an existing Head of Academy looking for future progression with Harris, or an experienced Deputy Head who has the leadership skills to lead an Outstanding Academy. For first time Head of Academy, we can provide the support needed in the form of individual mentoring from an established Harris Executive Principal.

We offer a platform for leaders to complete their National Professional Qualifications via our Harris Leadership College and National Institute of Teaching, and we provide coaching, mentoring and insights needed to help develop and prepare you for your next leadership challenge. This is a unique opportunity to join a Federation with over 80 highly experienced school leaders, all of whom are committed to working together and transforming lives across London. We believe we are at the forefront of nurturing and developing academy leaders.

About Us

Harris Primary Academy Philip Lane opened in September 2012. We are sponsored by Lord Harris of Peckham and enjoy the benefits of being part of a high achieving Federation. All of our academies have been graded as 'Good' or 'Outstanding' from Ofsted.

Harris Primary Academy Philip Lane is an Outstanding primary academy and we have high expectations and aspirations for your children. All our staff aim to give every child an exceptional education providing support, care, enrichment and challenge as they come through our doors. We give them opportunities to enjoy their learning and prepare them for future academic success as well as happy lives. We have a unique creative curriculum, a clear vision, high expectations, strong moral values and a love of learning.

Main Areas of Responsibility

As Head of Academy, you will work under the direction of the Executive Principal to provide professional leadership to help ensure success by securing outstanding overall effectiveness.

• Command credibility through the discharge of his or her functions and to influence others;
  Provide professional direction to the work of others;
• Make decisions based upon analysis, interpretation and understanding of relevant data and information;
• Think creatively and imaginatively to anticipate and solve problems and identify opportunities;
• Demonstrate good judgment.
• Lead by example including providing outstanding teaching practice
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing to a range of audiences;
• Chair meetings effectively;
• Prioritise and manage time effectively;
• Work under pressure and to deadlines;
• Achieve challenging professional goals;
• Take responsibility for own professional development.
• For a full list of responsibilities, please download the job pack.

Qualifications & Experience

You will be a successful senior leader with a very strong record of school improvement, ideally including significant experience in inner-city, multi-racial and urban areas. You will be an outstanding communicator, with proven strengths in engaging with, inspiring and motivating, not just the school community but also the wider community. You will have experience across the full primary age range.

Your understanding of school improvement strategies will be matched by your ability to manage change and to motivate staff and the community towards the achievement of clear and inspirational goals. Above all, you will possess a relentless drive to raise standards and secure outstanding teaching at the academy for all of our children.

• Qualified Teacher Status, Degree, Further relevant professional studies.
• Senior Leader in a Primary school, including experience deputising for the Head / Principal.
• Successful leadership in assessment and/or curriculum development and in monitoring and evaluation strategies.
• Proven track record of raising attainment in an urban, multi-ethnic environment.
• Experience as a designated child protection officer.
• Experience as a performance appraiser for staff.
• Experience of teaching or leading Early Years and/or KS1 and/or KS2.

Next Steps

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please send us an email, or call to arrange a conversation.

Before applying, please download the Job Pack for full details on the job responsibilities and person specification. This will be helpful for you when completing your application, and throughout the recruitment process.

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible as we may interview and offer to a candidate before the closing date. Please note that we only accept applications submitted before the closing date via our careers website.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

Senior Leader Development

With Harris, you will join a large network of likeminded senior leaders and have opportunities to learn from colleagues who are some of the best senior leaders in the country. Our senior leaders can benefit from tailored professional development programmes via the Harris Institute of Teaching and Leadership which will enable you to develop your pedagogy, leadership skills and drive school improvement.

Supported by experienced mentors, you can access national professional qualifications and draw on expert knowledge from dedicated subject consultants who offer invaluable subject and curriculum insight.

Flexible Working

We are committed to fostering a positive and supportive working environment for our staff, recognising that achieving a balance between professional and personal responsibilities is essential. We understand that each individual’s circumstances are unique, which is why we offer flexible working options that can be adapted to meet the needs of both the academy and our employees.

Benefits

In addition to the opportunities for career development and progression, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes an Annual Loyalty Bonus, Teachers Pension Scheme, a Wellbeing Cash Plan, Employee Assistance Programme, and many other benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our website.

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.