At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage a team to ensure high-quality learning and teaching for students.
- Company: Join Sinclair Academy, a dynamic and innovative Roman Catholic secondary school.
- Benefits: Permanent position with a supportive environment and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse workforce encouraged; applications from all backgrounds welcomed.
- Why this job: Shape the future of education in a rapidly growing community and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Relevant teaching qualification and registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland required.
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 week beginning 1 June 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 - Pupil Support, Sinclair Academy, 504.56 - WEL10361 employer: West Lothian Council
Sinclair Academy is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work environment within a state-of-the-art facility in Winchburgh. As a Principal Teacher, you will have the unique opportunity to shape the educational journey of our students while collaborating with a dedicated team committed to the values of Catholic Education. With a focus on professional development and a rich array of extracurricular activities, we foster a culture of aspiration and integrity, ensuring that every staff member can thrive and make a meaningful impact in our growing community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Teacher - Pupil Support, Sinclair Academy, 504.56 - WEL10361
✨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 insights into the school culture and maybe even a nudge in the right direction for your application.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the school's ethos and values. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to Catholic Education and how you can contribute to their holistic approach. We want to see how you can embody those values in your teaching!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've led a team or project successfully. We love candidates who can demonstrate their ability to inspire and manage others, especially in a dynamic environment like Sinclair Academy.
✨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 us you’re serious about joining our vibrant community at Sinclair Academy.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Teacher - Pupil Support, Sinclair Academy, 504.56 - WEL10361
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for education and pupil support shine through. We want to see how dedicated you are to making a difference in young people's lives!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values of Sinclair Academy. Highlight your commitment to Catholic Education and how you embody the values of Aspiration, Integrity, Mercy, and Service.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that get straight to the heart of your experience and qualifications without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and helps us keep track of all the amazing candidates like you.
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 values align with these and be ready to share specific examples during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Principal Teacher, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Prepare to discuss your approach to managing a team, fostering collaboration, and ensuring high-quality learning experiences. Think of past situations where you've successfully led a team or project.
✨Engage with the Community
Sinclair Academy is all about community involvement. Be prepared to talk about how you would engage with pupils, parents, and the wider community. Share ideas for extra-curricular activities or initiatives that could enhance the school environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to support pupils' holistic development. Practice responding to hypothetical situations related to pupil support and educational challenges, showcasing your critical thinking and empathy.
