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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic school community and inspire both staff and students.
- Company: Join Star Academies, a high-performing multi-academy trust focused on educational excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, generous holidays, pension schemes, and healthcare cash plans.
- Other info: Be part of a values-driven organisation committed to diversity and equality.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and shape the future of education.
- Qualifications: Degree-level qualification, Qualified Teacher Status, and substantial leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 47185 - 131056 £ per year.
About the School
The Valley Leadership Academy is a secondary school for 11 to 16 year olds in Bacup, part of the Star Academies trust since 2019. The school is a rapidly improving institution with a strong leadership specialism, offering a knowledge‑based academic curriculum and a rich, diverse leadership programme that develops character and inspires charitable and social action.
About Star Academies
Star Academies is a high‑performing multi‑academy trust that runs 36 primary and secondary schools. The trust is values‑based and works to improve the life chances of young people in socially and economically deprived areas, offering professional development, mentoring and progression opportunities, and competitive salaries, pensions, holiday entitlement and healthcare cash plans.
Role Overview
We are looking for an exceptional Principal to lead our journey to educational excellence. The role requires strong leadership, vision and a commitment to creating an outstanding learning environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide inspirational leadership to school staff and pupils.
- Develop and secure commitment to a clear, high‑achieving vision for the school.
- Continuously improve educational standards and foster an outstanding learning environment.
- Promote the trust’s values, safeguarding, safe recruitment and welfare of pupils.
Qualifications
- Degree‑level qualification and Qualified Teacher Status.
- Substantial experience of senior leadership and management within and across school settings, including as a Principal or Deputy.
- Strong commitment to our STAR values.
Key Dates
- Closing Date: Wednesday, 13 May 2026 at midnight.
- Assessment Centre Date: Friday, 22 May 2026.
- Proposed Start Date: Tuesday, 1 September 2026.
Benefits
Competitive salaries, pension schemes, generous holiday entitlement and healthcare cash plans.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Our comprehensive recruitment and selection processes are designed to prevent discrimination. We are committed to providing equality and fairness in our recruitment and employment practices and to encouraging diversity.
Principal in London employer: The Valley Leadership Academy
Contact Detail:
The Valley Leadership Academy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at The Valley Leadership Academy or other schools in the Star Academies trust. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your leadership skills! Prepare examples of how you've inspired teams and improved educational standards. We want to hear about your vision and how you can bring it to life at the school.
✨Tip Number 3
Research, research, research! Dive deep into the school's values and recent achievements. This will help us tailor our approach and demonstrate that we’re genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can keep track of our progress and any updates directly from there.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal in London
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 you can inspire both staff and students, so share your vision for creating an outstanding learning environment.
Be Specific: Use specific examples from your experience to demonstrate your leadership skills and commitment to educational excellence. We love seeing concrete achievements that align with our STAR values, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to reflect the unique qualities of The Valley Leadership Academy. Highlight how your background and values align with our mission to improve life chances for young people in our community.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Valley Leadership Academy
✨Know the School Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research The Valley Leadership Academy and Star Academies. Understand their values, recent achievements, and challenges they face. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in leading their journey to educational excellence.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Principal, your leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your approach to inspiring staff and pupils. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, improved educational standards, or fostered a positive learning environment. This will demonstrate your capability to align with their vision.
✨Emphasise Commitment to Values
Star Academies places a strong emphasis on their values. Make sure to articulate how your personal and professional values align with theirs. Discuss your commitment to safeguarding and the welfare of pupils, as this is a key responsibility for the role and shows you understand the importance of creating a safe learning environment.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with insightful questions about the school’s future plans, challenges, and the support available for professional development. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the school is the right fit for you.