Vice Principal - Staffordshire University Academy in Cannock

Location: Staffordshire University Academy

Contract: Permanent

Work pattern: 32.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Salary: L20 - 24 (£82,654 - £91,158)

Start date: 1st January 2027

Staffordshire University Academy are looking to recruit an experienced senior leader to the post of Vice Principal: Behaviour and Inclusion to work alongside our Vice Principal: Quality of Education. With increasing student numbers, we are looking for the right candidate to join our expanding staff team and help continue our drive to be a truly great academy. You will oversee a strong pastoral team which is arranged in key stages, and set the culture, vision and high expectations for all. We would welcome applications from colleagues who have a track record of impact in leading high-performing pastoral teams in a range of contexts.

About the role:

• Provide strategic leadership across the academy, working alongside the Principal, Vice Principal and Senior Leadership Team to shape and embed the academy’s vision, values and culture.
• Lead the academy’s behaviour, attendance and pastoral strategy, maintaining high expectations and a culture of support, respect, belonging and achievement for all students aged 11–19.
• Provide strategic oversight of safeguarding, inclusion and student welfare, working closely with the DSL, Inclusion and Pastoral Teams and relevant external agencies.
• Drive improvements in student attendance, behaviour, attainment and progress, including oversight of alternative provision, suspensions, exclusions, admissions, managed moves and appropriate interventions.
• Lead and develop the academy’s Behaviour for Learning, rewards and student motivation strategies, ensuring consistent routines, expectations and positive recognition across the academy.
• Provide strategic leadership of the wider pastoral and personal development agenda, including student leadership, CHARACTER Education, SMSC/RSE/PSHE, CEIAG, aspirations and destinations.
• Lead, develop and hold colleagues to account through effective line management, appraisal, coaching and supportive challenge, while building leadership capacity at all levels.
• Support the strategic leadership of Quality of Education, modelling highly effective classroom practice and contributing to robust quality assurance, coaching and the continuous improvement of teaching and learning.
• Strengthen parental, community and stakeholder engagement, developing effective partnerships and supporting high-profile academy events, transition activities and links with further and higher education.
• Play a highly visible and active role in Team SUA, contributing to teaching, assemblies, duties, staff and student wellbeing, professional development and the wider life of the academy.

What we’re looking for:

• A highly professional and positive role model who consistently demonstrates the values, standards and expectations of the academy.
• A commitment to continuous professional development, with a willingness to engage fully in training and the academy’s CPD programme.
• The ability to work to high professional and ethical standards, maintaining confidentiality, integrity and appropriate professional boundaries.
• A strong commitment to academy policies, procedures and safeguarding responsibilities, with the confidence to raise concerns appropriately.
• A reliable and professional approach, demonstrating excellent standards of attendance, punctuality, presentation and conduct.
• A flexible and adaptable attitude, with a willingness to contribute to the wider life of the academy both within and beyond the normal academy day.

Why join Staffordshire University Academy?

• Be part of Team SUA – a welcoming, ambitious, and supportive community where colleagues work together to make a genuine difference for young people.
• Make an impact – play a key role in shaping the future of the academy and improving the experiences and outcomes of our students.
• Grow as a leader – benefit from high-quality professional development, leadership opportunities and a strong commitment to developing our people.
• Join a culture of high expectations – work in an academy that is committed to excellent teaching, strong relationships and ensuring every student can succeed.
• Work in a collaborative environment – join colleagues who share best practice, support one another and are committed to continuous improvement.
• Feel valued and supported – benefit from our Team SUA wellbeing offer and a culture that recognises the importance of staff wellbeing, development, and success.

Closing date for applications: Monday 28th September 2026, 9am

Interviews: Tuesday 6th & Wednesday 7th October 2026

We warmly welcome visits to the academy — come and see what makes SUA a great place to work.

Safeguarding statement: Staffordshire University Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. This position is subject to criminal records check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) which will require you to disclose details of all unspent and unfiltered spent reprimands, formal warnings, cautions and convictions in your application form.