At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team to deliver high-quality learning in a dynamic school environment.
- Company: Join Sinclair Academy, a vibrant and innovative Roman Catholic secondary school.
- Benefits: Permanent position with a supportive community and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse workforce encouraged; applications from all backgrounds welcome.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education in a rapidly growing school with world-class facilities.
- Qualifications: Must have a relevant teaching qualification and registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland.
The predicted salary is between 47185 - 131056 £ per year.
35 hours per week, 47 weeks per year, Permanent. Interviews will take place for successful candidates on Tuesday 26 May 2026.
Sinclair Academy is seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Principal Teacher to join our growing team. This is an exceptional opportunity to become part of a dynamic, innovative, and passionate community within a state-of-the-art Roman Catholic secondary school. Opened in August 2023, Sinclair Academy serves the vibrant and rapidly expanding community of Winchburgh.
Our campus boasts world-class sports facilities, shared with Winchburgh Academy and the wider community, and we actively promote a rich programme of extra-curricular activities, offering a wide range of sporting, cultural, and social opportunities. As a developing school, collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. Our team works together to deliver outstanding experiences for our young people.
This role offers a rare chance to help shape something truly unique, building on our Broad General Education (BGE) and supporting the transition into the senior phase. Currently, we have a roll of 280 pupils in S1–S3, with steady growth projected to reach our initial capacity of 660 by 2028. Future expansion plans could see the school grow to a maximum of 1,210 pupils.
Our leadership team currently consists of a Headteacher, one Depute Headteacher, and a Business Manager. We are seeking a highly motivated and dynamic practitioner to lead and manage a team within Sinclair Academy, ensuring consistently high-quality learning and teaching that enables all young people to achieve their full potential.
We welcome applications from flexible and forward-thinking leaders who are committed to the values of Catholic Education and the holistic development of young people. The successful candidate will play a key role in fostering our whole-school ethos, rooted in the values of Aspiration, Integrity, Mercy, and Service. You will also actively contribute to and support the learning, teaching and assessment associated within WLC’s Virtual Academy model/programme.
West Lothian Council are committed to far-reaching changes to the way we deliver our Education Services. These changes include giving you the support and environment that you need to get on with your job and develop your abilities. Our dedication is demonstrated by the whole council achievement of the Investors in People Standard and always aiming a little higher in our service delivery and improvements.
We are keen to employ a diverse workforce that reflects the people of Scotland. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly from groups currently under-represented, including people with disabilities, those from minority ethnic communities or from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
This post is considered Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and/or Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. Successful candidates will be required to join the Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check prior to commencing employment and the cost will be met by the candidate. The fee for a Full PVG Scheme Membership is £59 or Existing Member is £18. The £59 cost (where appropriate) will be deducted from your salary over a 1 or 3-month period by repayment schedule. If your employment concludes before the amount is re-paid in full, the outstanding balance will be deducted from your final salary.
A relevant teaching qualification and registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland is essential. Written approval by the Catholic Church will be required for this position. Please see https://sces.org.uk/ for further information.
The successful candidate will take up post at the beginning of the 2026-27 school session on 10th August 2026.
Principal Teacher - Science & Arts, Sinclair Academy, 504.32 - WEL10337 in Broxburn employer: West Lothian Council
Contact Detail:
West Lothian Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Teacher - Science & Arts, Sinclair Academy, 504.32 - WEL10337 in Broxburn
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff at Sinclair Academy on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the school culture and what they’re really looking for in a Principal Teacher.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the school's ethos and values. Make sure we can articulate how our teaching philosophy aligns with their commitment to Aspiration, Integrity, Mercy, and Service. Show them we’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend or mentor to do a mock interview with us. This will help us refine our answers and boost our confidence. Plus, it’s a great way to get feedback on our delivery and body language.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after the interview! A quick thank-you email expressing our appreciation for the opportunity can leave a lasting impression. It shows we’re genuinely interested and professional, which is always a plus!
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Teacher - Science & Arts, Sinclair Academy, 504.32 - WEL10337 in Broxburn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for teaching shine through! We want to see how dedicated you are to fostering a love for learning in young people, especially within the values of Catholic Education.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Principal Teacher role at Sinclair Academy. Highlight your experience in leading teams and delivering high-quality education that aligns with our ethos of Aspiration, Integrity, Mercy, and Service.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your qualifications and experiences are easy to read and understand. Use bullet points if it helps!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can get back to you quickly about the next steps in the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at West Lothian Council
✨Know Your Values
Make sure you understand the core values of Sinclair Academy, especially Aspiration, Integrity, Mercy, and Service. Reflect on how your personal teaching philosophy aligns with these values and be ready to discuss specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your commitment to them.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Teacher, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare to share your leadership experiences, focusing on how you've fostered collaboration and high-quality learning in previous roles. Think about challenges you've faced and how you overcame them while supporting your team.
✨Engage with the Community
Sinclair Academy is part of a vibrant community, so be prepared to discuss how you would engage with parents, local organisations, and the wider community. Share ideas for extra-curricular activities or partnerships that could enhance the school's offerings and support student development.
✨Prepare for the Future
With the school projected to grow significantly, think about how you can contribute to this expansion. Be ready to discuss your vision for the future of the school and how you would support the transition into the senior phase, ensuring all students achieve their full potential.